After many years of research and delving into the history of VX44740 Private Henry Matthew (Harry) Wells by Anne Barter, many of the Wells family came together at the weekend for a special purpose.
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Anne, a niece by marriage, was in possession of the many medals awarded to Harry, who served in World War II. She also had memorabilia, which she wanted to return to members of the Wells’ family.
With this in mind, she contacted the Finley RSL Sub-branch some time ago to ask if there was any knowledge of Harry’s relatives.
Fortunately John Hand, historian of the local sub-branch, was able to put Anne in touch with David Wells and plans were made to meet in Finley for the handover.
However, with the gracious consent and agreement from Harry’s nephew and nieces in attendance, it was decided to present his service medals to the Finley RSL Sub-branch for display, in perpetuity so that people can view and reflect on the great sacrifice Harry Wells made for his King and country.
It gave Anne much pleasure to carry out the presentation to sub-branch president Jeff Ward and John Hand, who received the gift with much appreciation.
One more presentation of importance was that of Harry’s Finley Football Club 1926 premiership medal which was given to Mark O’Brien, historian, for the club’s memorabilia section. Mark was delighted to receive the medal, with Harry’s name inscribed on the back, as there are very few still in existence.
The presentations were followed by lunch, with much storytelling and catching up well into the afternoon. Then, in the evening, the Wells family took the opportunity to catch up with many of the locals they went to school with while living in Finley.
Henry Matthew Wells, known as Harry, was born on October 8, 1901, the first of seven children to Peter Matthew and Mary Hannah Wells. Harry was followed by Peter, Ellen (Nell), Robert, Thomas, Katherine (Kitty) and Mary. All were born in Finley.
Anne was unable to find much information about the early years of Harry’s life, however he apparently worked in his father’s store as a greengrocer. According to well-known Finley identity the late Mary Dawe who, back in 2012, gave Anne the first items of information about the Wells family, Harry and his brother Tom had beautiful singing voices and were always in demand for any musical recital locally.
Harry was also an excellent cricketer, and the Wells boys were all keen sportsmen.
Harry’s first marriage was to Margaret (Maggie) Malone, in 1936, however this ended in tragedy just over 12 months later when Henry lost Maggie and their stillborn baby.
Harry later met and married Marjory Gibbs in 1940 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Finley.
He enlisted in the Army and on April 10, 1941, embarked for Rabaul, New Britain, disembarking there on May 3, 1941. Very little is known of what happened with Harry after he landed in Rabaul, though in January 1942 he was captured by the Japanese and taken Prisoner of War.
In June 1942 he was one of nearly 1000 men who were loaded onto the Japanese ship ‘Montevideo Maru’ and were enroute to Hinan in China when, off the coast of Luzon near the Philippines, an American submarine the USS Sturgeon, assumed it to be a Japanese troop ship. So, at 3.15am on July 2, 1942, with poor visibility, they fired three torpedoes. One missed; however two were direct hits, and nearly 1000 prisoners lost their lives.
Marge had no word of Harry from 1942 until 1945 when she received a telegram from the Army saying, “Missing in action, presumed dead” and no further information was given. She went to her grave in 1972 at the age of 65 years, never knowing what had happened or where he was.
It was not until 2012 when the Japanese made public the horrific news and it was revealed a few months ago that the ‘Montevideo Maru’ had finally been located after 71 years and is now a war grave.
Harry’s medals and history are now part of the extensive memorabilia compiled and displayed, thanks to John Hand and the co-operation of the board at the Finley RS Club.
Note: As secretary of the Finley RSL Sub-branch, it was a privilege and amazing to be part of this union. Anne Barter, her sister Judith Hurney and Judith’s son Anthony are related to the family of Harry’s second wife, Marjory. Until the recent meeting, they and the members of the Wells’ family were unknown to each other.
Anne, in her early 80s, has put so much time and effort into finding Harry’s descendants to return his medals and history to them. Apart from the medals being on display at the Finley RS Club, the Wells’ family is now in possession of several folders of photos and history relating to Harry’s life and death.
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Members of the Finley, Berrigan and Jerilderie Can Assist committee recently attended the Berrigan Red Cross meeting to advise the group of the activities and initiative of Can Assist in the local area.
During the visit, Berrigan Red Cross president Marion Dickins presented Can Assist vice president Fred Braybon with a cheque for $2010 to further the programs run by the organisation.
The funds had been raised by the Berrigan Red Cross members during their Extravaganza events.
The proceeds of Can Assist are used exclusively to help local residents going through their cancer journey.
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‘Unlocking Hope No.5 – Understanding Dementia’, a further presentation by Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance, will take place on Thursday, March 14 at the Finley RS Club, 63-67 Tocumwal St, at 10.15am for a 10.30am start.
The group will welcome back Fiona Elms who was one of the presenters at Unlocking Hope No.4. Fiona will give a presentation on transitioning from home to residential care for those families who do not accept that their loved one has memory loss and/or dementia.
This is one of the most difficult areas of decision making that families and carers may need to negotiate and the process can be emotionally overwhelming and challenging. This session is designed to provide suggestions on how families might come to some agreement in this difficult process.
An invitation is extended to all residents of Barooga, Berrigan, Tocumwal, Finley and surrounding areas including Cobram, Jerilderie and Deniliquin to take this unique opportunity to engage with Fiona as well as the members of the alliance who are vitally interested in providing assistance and education to members of our communities as well as schools, service clubs etc.
An RSVP to 03 5883 9600 would be appreciated but is not essential. Remember, ‘together we can make a difference’.
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Father Paul Lu, Catholic Priest for Finley and Tocumwal, would like to advise members of the two parishes of the intended program over the Easter period.
Thursday, March 28 – Holy Thursday - 7.30pm Mass in Finley.
Friday, March 29 – Good Friday – Stations of the Cross at 8.30am Tocumwal and 10am Finley. The Passion of the Lord – 3pm Tocumwal. Movie Night: The Passion of the Lord – 7pm Finley.
Saturday, March 30 – Easter Vigil – 7.30pm Tocumwal.
Sunday, March 31 – Easter Sunday – 8.30am Tocumwal and 10.15am Finley.
All welcome to attend.
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Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922, emailing anne.freestone@bigpond.com or left at the Southern Riverina News office.
Please include a contact name and phone number.
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