In 1915, with World War I raging in Europe, 88 potential soldiers marched out of Wagga Wagga bound for Campbelltown and enlistment into a country contingent. The Kangaroo Recruitment March was born.
At Wallendbeen the Governor-General addressed the men. The numbers swelled at Harden and again at Galong on the way to Binalong, Goondah, Bowning and Yass. The march averaged 8.8 miles per day over the 132 miles from Wagga Wagga to Yass. In all, some 210- 230 men arrived at Campbelltown.
Although many Binalong men enlisted in WWI, a number were among the early enlistees and were already in Europe or training by the time of the march. To date, despite extensive research, no evidence has been located of locals who joined the march in Binalong. Anyone with further information is urged to contact Skye Regan.
A Boorowa man, Private John Hough, No. 5388, was on the march. Apparently his enlistment paper was stamped with a special stamp and he also received a badge to mark the occasion. Also Walter Percy Garland, blacksmith, marched from Yass. He joined 7th Reinforcements, 30th Battalion, AIF and left for England and then the Western Front. Private Walter Garland died on December 20, 1916 in France from his wounds.
The centenary re-enactment of the Kangaroo March will arrive in Binalong on Wednesday September 16. Just as in 1915, the marchers will arrive in time for a welcome ceremony in Pioneer Park then lunch (about midday). Participants will then have free time to explore the village and environs before a barbecue dinner at the Mechanics Institute at 6pm and a Variety Night at 7.30pm, chock-full of entertainment.
All community members are invited to join in the activities. Dress in period costume, march with the official march for a while, come and enjoy lunch, dinner and the Variety Night, chat to the marchers, or offer a country welcome to the folk who are keeping alive the memory of the diggers who joined up and the families they left behind.
Binalong Arts Group Inc is co-ordinating the hosting of the re-enactment march and is grateful to the Boorowa Community Bank for its support. For more information contact Skye Regan on 6227 4527.
