Unlike the former Methodist church at Broughton, which is in the same district, the Uniting Church at Yanac is well-cared for and thriving. The three-light window in the west end was designed as a predominantly symbolic leadlight befitting the Methodist theology, with only the names of the men and emblems in stained glass, as was also the case at the little Broughton church.
Private George Field, a 30 year-old farmer, the eldest son of Richard and Ada Field of Yanac North,enlisted with12 years experience in the North Yanac Rifle Club on 15 September 1915. He joined the Fifth Australian Division in Etaples, France after a journey from Melbourne to Egypt and then on to Marseilles. He joined 58 Battalion on 28 July 1916 but was admitted to hospital with mumps less than a month later. The first report of his being wounded in action on 22 November 1916 was later amended to 'wounded and missing', but ultimately became 'killed in action' in April 1917. He was buried by Chaplain Captain FP Williams and his name added to the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France.
Private David James Onley was another young farmer, aged 26, son of James and Ellen Olney of Yanac North, who enlisted on 4 September 1915. He too went to Etaples, and was attached to First Divisional Base Depot from 10 May 1916. He was severely wounded in action on 17 August and eventually evacuated to hospital at Boulogne where he died on 5 September 1916. He was buried in the Boulonge Eastern Cemetery, France.
References & Acknowledgements
AWM Roll of Honour; NAA: B2455, Olney David James; NAA: B2455, Field GT; Argus, 27 March 1917, p.9.
With thanks to Brett Wheaton, member of the congregation
