Jemma Holland at the memorial.
Camera IconJemma Holland at the memorial. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Ellenbrook woman remembers Anzac forebear after discovery

Lisa ThomasThe Advocate

ELLENBROOK resident and receptionist at RSL WA Jemma Holland made a remarkable discovery last week when she saw the face of her great-great-grandfather and veteran James ‘Jim’ Holland on the Perth Mint’s centenary poppy wall of remembrance.

The wall, which was installed at the Mint’s heritage ground in East Perth in the lead-up to Anzac Day, featured an unnamed soldier beneath the words ‘we will remember them’.

The face of Jim Holland was surrounded by 6000 silk poppies purchased from RSLWA and individually placed as a mark of respect by members of the public.

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When the memorial was received by the state branch of the RSL, Ms Holland said she knew she had seen the image of the soldier before.

“I had a feeling when I looked at the wall that the man was more than a stranger. It took me a few days to put the pieces together,” she said.

Mr Holland served as a machine-gunner in World War I.

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