Historical information

Corporal Walter Ardern was the third son of Mr and Mrs James Ardern of Wodonga Estate.
He enlisted on 5th October 1914 and left Australia during December of 1914 as a member of the 7th regiment of the Australian Light Horse. The regiment landed in Egypt on 1st February 1915 where they stayed for about three months. He then left Egypt with a machine gun section for Gallipoli, and took part in activities there within a week of the first Anzac landing.

During the following four months Corporal Ardern was engaged in the hottest fighting on the Peninsula. He escaped sickness and wounds until the attack at Lone Pine in August, 1915, at which he was wounded in the thigh, neck and leg. He was removal to Cottnera Hospital, in Malta, where he was invalided for a few weeks. He was then moved to King George's Hospital in London, where he remained for the follow eight months.
On recovery Walter was transferred to the Second Machine Gun Squadron, and immediately embarked for the Sinai Peninsula, where he was kept actively engaged combating the Turks. He participated in the battle of Romani, in which terrific losses were inflicted, on the Turkish army. Shortly before Christmas of 1916 his squadron received instructions to proceed to Palestine, where he remained until embarking for Australia on 31 December 1918.
Walter was discharged on 28th March 1919.

The certificate signified that the officials and ratepayers of the Wodonga community recognised and appreciated his service. It was signed by S. T Parker, Shire President and R. H. Murphy, Council Secretary on 4th August 1919.

Significance

This certificate is significant because it recognises the military service of a member of the Wodonga community.

Physical description

Coloured certificate presented to the Walter Ardern by Wodonga Shire Council in recognition of his military service in World War I. The certificate is mounted in a timber frame.