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PENRITH’S #1 NEWSPAPER
SUNIA TURUVA POSTER INSIDE Photo: NRL Photos.
PENRITH RETUR N TO THEIR THIS WEEK SECON D HOME END IN A BATTL E OF THE BIG CATS FULL COVER AGE INSID E
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Friday, April 19, 2024
www.westernweekender.com.au
BACK IN B ATHURST
SPECIAL ANZAC DAY EDITION
LEST WE FORGET TROY DODDS
P
enrith will fall silent next week as ANZAC Day commemorations are held across the city. It is a day to reflect on those who have fought for our country, and honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Penrith is littered with stories that embody the ANZAC spirit. Pictured on our front page this week is Stanley Colless (standing), who was born in Penrith on November 19, 1892, the son of Henry and Elizabeth Jane Colless. He enlisted on June 19, 1915 and was assigned to the 9th reinforcements, 3rd Battalion with the rank of Sergeant. In September 1916, Stanley Colless was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for his bravery during the Battle of Fromelles. He was killed near Mont St Quentin during the Battle for Peronne on September 1, 1918. Red Cross reports from fellow soldiers confirm that he was killed by machine gun fire and buried in the nearby cemetery. The soldier sitting in the photograph has never been identified. Researchers have speculated that it may be his cousin Frederick Colless but there is no evidence to support this hypothesis. When Colless died, he was just 25. Colless was a keen sportsman and played cricket and football. He was also a member of a rifle club and won a number of prizes in shooting competitions. Stanley Colless’ story is just one of many that link Penrith with the horrors of war, and a reminder of why ANZAC Day is so important. ANZAC Day coverage inside: See pages 12 to 20.
Photo thanks to Penrith City Library.
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