The Men from Snowy River marched into Bombala on Tuesday as part of a centenary re-enactment.
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The day started with the marchers gathering in Caveat St and parading down Maybe St over the Bombala bridge to Apex Park.
Leading the parade were the flag bearers, then four members of the 7th Lighthorse Brigade followed by the Snowy River Mob choir in period costume.
Then came marchers from the Bombala RSL sub-branch, families, followed by students from Bombala Public School, St Joseph’s Public School, Delegate Public School and Bombala High School.
Once everyone had formed at Apex Park, Bombala mayor Bob Stewart welcomed everyone to the event before the Snowy River Mob choir and Bombala Public School pupils sang several old-time war tunes.
Cr Stewart thanked the Lions and Rotary Clubs for catering on the day, the schools for participating, the RSL sub-branch volunteers and the 7th Lighthorse Brigade for participating in the march.
In giving a background on the Men from Snowy River recruitment march, Cr Stewart told how 12 men left Delegate on January 6, 1916, and arrived in Goulburn on January 28, 1916.
“By the time they reached Goulburn the numbers had swollen to 144 marchers,” Cr Stewart said.
He went on to explain that the Men from Snowy River carried the red ensign, which was the flag flown on land in Australia from 1901 to 1954.
The original Men from Snowy River banner was preserved in an Arnotts biscuit tin and the banner being carried in this week’s march was an exact replica of it.
It was then time for Bombala High School acting principal, Martin Lyons to launch a book researched, compiled and written by a group of Bombala High School students.
Taking two years to compile, Bombala Battlers is a history of the 31 local men who served in WW1 and whose names are inscribed on the Bombala cenotaph.
Following the formal proceedings everyone was treated to a sausage sizzle and Anzac biscuits.
The march continues on Wednesday to Bibbenluke and then on to Nimmitabel.