Family marks 100 years since forefather died at Chunuk Bair
When Paul Jarman watched Prince Harry’s televised address at Chunuk Bair during Gallipoli centenary commemorations, he did not expect to hear his forebear’s name.
But as the young royal addressed crowds at Lone Pine, he read a letter written by one of Jarman’s great-uncle’s squadron mates, describing the experience at Anzac Cove.
‘‘It was quite a poignant moment – watching the Anzac service and suddenly hearing about the death of your grandfather’s brother,’’ he said.
On Sunday, Frank Jarman, with his brothers, Harry ‘‘Ness’’ and James ‘‘Bert’’, will be honoured alongside other Selwyn district men who fought in the First World War at a special service at Darfield’s Trinity Church
Jarman, 64, said his family was hit hard by the war.
The brothers – three of eight siblings – grew up on a farm in Greendale.
Frank was the second man to enlist from the Kirwee district; he was killed in action in 1915 aged 28. His younger brother, Ness, died at Bapaume, France, three years later.
Jarman’s grandfather, Bert, served in Palestine. He was the only brother to return. ‘‘It’s always been a significant part of our lives to remember,’’ Jarman said.
Sunday’s service would forgo a traditional sermon in favour of reading a collection of letters the brothers sent home.
The missives detail excitement about their first overseas adventures, the horrors of war and a sombre homecoming.
‘‘It’s been very moving to read about these blokes we never knew and get a feel for the sort of people they were,’’ Jarman said.
His daughter, Allanah, and younger brother, Tom, have been collating the brothers’ letters home into a book for posterity.
One of them, penned by Frank, was published posthumously in The Press in September 1915. ‘‘I am dashed glad I came,’’ it read. ‘‘When one thinks of the men who are losing their lives day by day to help ‘The Old Flag’, it’s grand to think you are here doing your little bit.’’
Sunday’s event precedes another milestone for the Jarman family, who in November will celebrate 150 years since their forefather, James Gough, settled in Greendale as a sheep and cropping farmer.
The family has been farming in the Selwyn district ever since.
A committee of six, representing branches of the family based in Sheffield, Darfield, Kirwee, Leeston and Greendale, has been planning the event for the past year. Anticipation of the celebration had strengthened ‘‘bonds of goodwill’’.