Wollondilly Anglican College statue a fitting tribute to Anzacs

Wollondilly Anglican College students, dignitaries and veterans gathered at a ceremony to watch the unveiling of an Anzac memorial this week.

Former Prime Minister John Howard and director of the Australian War Memorial Dr Brendan Nelson joined headmaster Dr Stuart Quarmby in revealing a statue and officially opening the Anzac shelter in the playground on Monday, June 18.

The ceremony paid tribute and honoured soldiers who had died in World War I.

Several speakers talked about the Battle of Fromelles, the horrors of war and the lives of particular soldiers and their families.

The statue, made by sculptors Gillie and Marc Schattner, has a special meaning to the headmaster.

The soldier is a representation of Acting Sergeant William Polding Ryan, who was 20 years old when he was killed in action at the Battle of Fromelles.

He was Dr Quarmby’s grandmother’s uncle.