Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"Mooroopna Resident Dies. REGINALD VALENTINE HILL. DISTINGUISHED WAR CAREER. (Mrs. E. J. Lock).

Widespread gloom was cast over Mooroopna district on Wednesday When it was learned that Mr. Reg. Hill had passed away at the Caulfield Military Hospital. The deceased, who was wounded twice at the war, also suffered from the effects of gas, which had been undermining his constitution ever since his return from the front. However, all medical treatment proved unavailing, and, after being admitted into hospital three weks ago, his strength gradually gave way, notwithstanding his wonderful fortitude. Most of the members of the family went to Melbourne on Monday evening, and were at the bedside when the gallant gentleman joined his thousands of comrades who made the supreme sacrifice for King and Country. Few men were gifted with such a bright and happy personality as was his, and nothing was ever too much trouble for him to lend willing and practical assistance in any movement having for its object the promotion of sport or district welfare. The deceased gentleman was prominently connected with the Fire-Brigade, starter of the race club, a former secretary of the football club, and was delegate to the Goulburn Valley League until this year, when he resigned on account of ill-health. He was also the official assistant starter of the N.E.D.R.A., and rendered gratuitous service to the Ardmona and Undera sports meetings in handicapping the horse events.

He was regarded by all sections of as one of its most popular residents. The late Mr. Hill won for himself a distinguished career in the Great War. Enlisting on the outbreak of hostilities with the first half dozen from Mooroopna on August 14, he sailed with the 4th Light Horse Regiment (commanded by Col. Bourchier, M.L.A.) in October, and saw service on Gallipoli, where the Australians received their war baptism and made the name Anzac famous by their great exploits. He afterwards gained a commission, and was allotted to the 53rd Battalion (N.S.W.). For a long period he was patrol officer, and it was whilst he was carrying out those hazardous duties that he won fame for himself, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and was mentioned in despatches on three occasions. The determination had made him such a capable soldier was subsequently manifested in his long illness. The body was brought from Melbourne on Thursday morning for interment in the Mooroopna Cemetery, Col. Bourchier being one of the pallbearers at Spencer Street. All business houses in Mooroopna were closed at 11 a.m. as a mark of respect. After the arrival of the train about 70 returned soldiers, in charge of Lieut. Lane, and members of the Mooroopna Fire Brigade, in uniform, led by Capt. T. Foley, precided the hearse, in which the coffin was draped with the Union Jack and laden with beautiful wreaths. The fire bell tolled 35 times at minute intervals. The cortege, which was the largest seen in Mooroopna, comprised over 100 cars, fully laden, 400 persons being present at the graveside to pay their last respect to a fellow citizen. Representatives were also present from district fire brigades and football clubs. After the service had been read by the Rev. W. McIlroy, a Masonic service was held by brethren of the Mooroopna Lodge, of which the deceased was a member. The service was read by Chaplain Bro. M. O. Davies. “The Last Post” was sounded by Bugler Beale. The pallbearers were Messrs. C., J., Joe and Clem Hill, N. Helmer, and R. Nice. Among the many beautiful wreaths was one from Col. Bourchier, M.L.A., and others from all the local sporting bodies. The late Mr. Hill was 35 years of age, and was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs, W. Hill, of Northgate St., Mooroopna, He leaves a widow (nee Miss Florence McKenzie), to whom he was married only last October. There are four brothers, Clyde, Clem, Jack and Joe, and three sisters. Eva (Mrs. E. J. Lock)." - from the Shepparton Advertiser 20 Aug 1928 (nla.gov.au)