A grand old residence in Stawell Road, Horsham that was sadly succumbing to the ravages of time and weather was being considered for removal. The owners decided to rescue two wonderfully ornate old fireplace surrounds from inside prior to any further plans.

As Leigh O’Connell of Haven assisted with the careful removal of both surrounds for restoration, he heard something fall from above the fireplace and lodge behind a heavy chimney beam.

It took some time and effort for Leigh to work his way to the item and secure it from behind the beam.

Then to his surprise, he found that it was an intricate brass Australia-shaped stand with brass Rising Sun badge affixed, and two evocative, sepia, thumbnail-sized photos of two unknown First War servicemen staring hauntingly from their small circular frames. On the reverse was a folding stand in the shape of a letter ‘A’ (for Anzac).

Through Leigh’s wonderful generosity this lovely item has been donated to the Horsham RSL’s militaria collection.

Our first thoughts here at the RSL were how do we identify these two men, as unfortunately, there was no identification found on the frame?

Then, after a little sleuthing and further discussion with Leigh it was discovered that the Harper family, butchers in Horsham previously owned the house.

A check of records quickly revealed two brothers, 477 Private James Henry Harper and 426 Lance Sergeant Walter Charles Stanley Harper, both of whom listed their trade as butchers, joined the First AIF.

Walter, 22 years old, enlisted in C Squadron of the 4th Light Horse Regiment in August 1914 and James, 39 years old, in B Company of the 39th Battalion in April 1916.

Sadly, James died of a serious chest infection in 1916 and was buried in Wiltshire, England.

Walter went on to the 1st Anzac Cyclist Battalion after the 4th Light Horse. He survived the war to return home in October 1918.

So, at last the mystery was solved; it’s the two Harper boys in the frame, and a memento allowing Walter to look back on his older brother, James, who died in the war.  

So much from such a small frame.

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