George McQuade with the plaque honouring 16th Battalion veterans.
Camera IconGeorge McQuade with the plaque honouring 16th Battalion veterans. Credit: Supplied/Bruce Hunt

WA Diggers honoured

Julian Wright, Hills GazetteHills Avon Valley Gazette

2nd/16th Battalion Association vice-president Mark Stuchbury, of Stirling, and member and Jane Brook resident George McQuade spent four years negotiating government red tape in two countries to achieve their vision.

In April, the men witnessed the plaque unveiled at its intended home in Gallipoli.

Mr Stuchbury, whose father Cyril Stuchbury was one of the 5000 men that passed through the 16th Battalion and miraculously made it home again, said the team effort paid off.

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‘I walked the Kokoda Track about six years ago and followed my father’s footsteps and when I came back I had the idea for the plaque,’ he said.

‘George came on board and did a hell of a lot of leg work, dealing with the Turkish and Australian governments. With all the red tape it turned out to take about two years for each country.

‘It was a touchy subject but both countries passed it.’

Mr McQuade said the plaque was unveiled amid a sea of dignitaries.

‘It is great to see the battalion get recognised,’ he said.

A second plaque has been made and the decision on its location will be made on Wednesday night, when the association next meets.