Extract from the "Kiama Independent" of October 11th, 1916 Sendoff to Private Vincent Walker Owing to a very short final leave, and the wet stormy weather prevailing, much regret was felt that Private Vincent Walker, youngest son of Mr. And Mrs. John Walker, "Beachlands", could not be given the same send-off as had been accorded to the other brave "boys" who had left Gerringong, so it was decided to make the various presentations on the night of the Referendum meeting, but through the torrential fall of rain that meeting did not come off, so then it was decided to have the presentations at the close of the Methodist service on the Sunday night, Private Walker and his family being members of that church. Rev. Chaplain McCallum conducted the service which was made very fitting for the occasion, the Chaplain's subject being Jacob's home leaving, which he vividly portrayed in the loneliness of it, though not wishing the occasion too sad, but in Jacob's loneliness he reared an altar to God, and in a vision Angels came and ministered to him, and he (the preacher) trusted that God's Angels would be round about the one leaving and keep him safe. At the close of the service the Chaplain, on behalf of the church, presented Private Walker with a wallet and pocket Testament, which he hoped would be a help and comfort when far away, and remind him of his church, and home and friends. He commended him for the stand he had taken in offering his services to the Empire, and trusted God would keep him safe and bring him back again. The members of the Congregational Church after their service adjourned to the Methodist Church, and joined in the citizens farewell. Mr. D. F. Bailey, in place of the Mayor, presided, and expressed their regret that a public send-off could not be given, but all were sincere in their desire to honor Private Walker. They admired his manliness in his desire for a higher education in going to Newington College, and they now admired him for his bravery in enlisting. They felt for the parents who were giving up a son on whom great hopes were set, for his future career, but all prayed that in this great conflict for right, his life would be spared and he return to fulfill the wish of his life. Mr. Bailey then, on behalf of the citizens, made the presentation of a wristlet watch. Mr. T. R. Moffitt, in a few words, expressed the same regret about a public send-off, but said after all there could not be a better place for him to remember his farewell than in the church, he trusted the memory of his hours here would help him. Mr. Archie Campbell spoke on behalf of the Rifle Club. They all knew what Private Walker had been on the rifle range, both for his exemplary character and as a marksman. He joined in the hope that he would be spared to return. Mr. Will Sharpe feelingly endorsed all that had been said. Private Walker was responding to a call from God, he could think of it as nothing else, for we are convinced we are on the side of right fighting for liberty and justice. He trusted that God's protecting care would be with him, and bring him safely back. Private Walker in a few words, feelingly thanked the citizens for their gift of the wristlet watch, the riflemen for their electric torch, and the Red Cross ladies for the kit bag. He had already thanked the Church friends for their gifts, everything would be useful and would remind him always of them all. He trusted to return again to home and friends. The earnest prayer of all was voiced again in the singing of one verse of "God be with you till we meet again", and the Benediction. - Contributed. ----------- Footnote: Vincent James Nelson WALKER was aged 19 when he enlisted, and he did return safely to Gerringong. He was appointed Secretary of the Gerringong Dairy Co-Op in November 1923, a post he held continuously for 42 years (the last 13 as combined Secretary/Manager), before he retired in February 1965. He died in December 1965, aged 68.) John Graham johngrah@ozemail.com.au GENEALOGY FROM GERRINGONG http://www.ozemail.com.au/~johngrah/