Paying respects a long way from home
Anyone who has lived in Horsham for any extended period of time might have pondered over the curious name of a little hall that sits on the corner of former Oatlands Park.
Hamilton Lamb Hall in Kalkee Road has for many years been a popular venue for dances, parties and various other functions. As a hall alone, it has long history.
But it is also an official monument. And what about the name?
It would be no secret to many older people of the Wimmera that Hamilton Lamb was a person and a parliamentarian who represented the seat of Lowan during the Second World War.
But Lamb, a teacher by trade, also has the unenviable record as being the only serving member of parliament to die while fighting during the Second World War.
It’s a fact far from lost in political circles and politicians, including today’s Member for Lowan Emma Kealy.
Ms Kealy, while on Christmas holidays in Asia, couldn’t resist an opportunity to visit Hamilton Lamb’s grave at Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery in Burma.
“It has always been on my bucket list since I learned Hamilton Lamb’s story,” she said.
“I just wanted to pay my respects at his gravesite.
“For the Nationals and for me as Member for Lowan he’s an inspiration and a huge reminder that at all times to always keep in front of mind to always do your best for your community.”
Lamb, despite being in parliament at the time of the Second World War, was compelled to join the Australian armed forces in 1940 and became part of the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion.
Fighting against Japanese forces in Java with the allied ‘Black Force’, he was captured and as a prisoner of war sent with thousands of others to work on the infamous Thai-burma Railway in Thailand.
Despite being officially listed as missing in action at the time of the Victorian election on June 12, 1943, he retained his seat unopposed.
Six months later he died suffering from malaria, dysentery and malnutrition on the railway. He was 40.
Lamb held onto his seat posthumously, with Australia only gaining official notification of his death nine months later.
The news triggered a Lowan by-election in 1944, with Wilfred Mibus retaining the seat for the Country Party.
Ms Kealy, who also visited the Death Railway museum and walked part of the old rail line, said the cemetery was well maintained and an intimate place where people retreated for picnics and time to reflect.
“It’s obviously a place loved by the locals, and for me, being surrounded by people who had lost their lives while fighting for democracy and a way of life, it was quite overwhelming,” she said.
“All these people put their lives on line.
“For Hamilton Lamb, to be a member of parliament and then being brave enough to serve Australia in the military before going through the horror as a prisoner of war on the railway commands the ultimate in respect. I’m so glad I made the visit.”
Hamilton Lamb is the only former parliamentarian to have an individual portrait photograph on display on the National’s party room wall.
A park bench next to a bowling green at Parliament House is also named in his honour.
“For Hamilton Lamb, to be a member of parliament and then being brave enough to serve Australia in the military before going through the horror as a prisoner of war on the railway commands the ultimate in respect” – Emma Kealy