Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Drinking fountain, surmounted by a handsome lamp, and is constructed of solid Malmsbury granite.

The handsome memorial, that has been erected by public subscription, to the memory of the late Private Willie Aitken, of Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, and a native of Heathcote, who was killed in action at the battle of Colenso, South Africa, was unveiled yesterday, in the presence of a large concourse of people, the unveiling ceremony being performed by the Rev. G. N. MacDonnell, chaplain to the Fifth Victorian Contingent.

Com. W. E. Lewis (chairman of the Waterworks Trust) said he had much pleasure in being present. He could bear testimony to the good character of Willie Aitken, whom he had known from a child, and of whom he had special opportunities of observing all the time he was learning his business. This district had sent its quota of men to the war, and they had men present who had shared the same dangers as their late friend. The late Willie Creelman, who was a native of this district, also went to the war. He did not go under by a bullet, but he went under with enteric fever. He thought it would only be right to have his name also inscribed on the memorial. As Private Aitken was the first soldier from the district killed in the war it was right that they should erect a memorial in his honor, which was also an ornament to the town.

The memorial, a description of which has previously appeared in our columns, is in the form of a drinking fountain, surmounted by a handsome lamp, and is constructed of solid Malmsbury granite. It was designed, manufactured and erected by Messrs. J. B. Wilson and Co., under the supervision of the shire engineer (Mr H. D.Thomas).
The McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser (Heathcote, Vic.), 27 November 1902.