As the country bows its head in commemoration for Anzac Day, Crookwell too will mark a significant date in its local calendar.
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One hundred years ago, in the Battle of Amiens, the mortar, now sitting in Memorial Park, was captured by the 18th Battalion.
Many from Crookwell served in this battalion, according to Crookwell R.S.L member Bev Hatch.
The attack was victorious, as soldiers led an offensive push through German front lines.
After the war smaller municipalities were offered a machine gun as a trophy, but Crookwell instead wanted something bigger.
The rifle muzzle loader, a common weapon in war, was passed around from backyard to backyard before it was left in the park.
Originally, horses were planned to transport the machine. But as the war raged on, and animals were scarce, soldiers were forced to pull it around.
Mr Hatch, who was a marine engineer for 31-years in the British Navy, was approached by the Crookwell Historical society to restore the machinery.
With the support of the local council and the state member a grant was won for Mr Hatch in 2009 to restore the historical piece
At the time he knew very little, researching as he went along.
It took three months to strip it down, clear the rust and straighten its handles Looking back, Mr Hatch said it was an experience he would never forget.
“I learnt how simple [the machine] was, a simple machine that had devastating effects,” Mr Hatch said.
“It belongs to the community as does the memorial shrine. We’re only the guardian.”
Deployed to many wars, the Crookwell resident said the restoration was a form of acknowledgement to the men and woman who sacrificed their lives.
“I respect what they did because I know what it’s like. I was one of them, just from another country. A lot didn't come back,” he said, noting the anti-war sentiment in the 1960s due to the Vietnam war.
“I didn't know them, I had no connection, but I appreciate their sacrifice. I appreciate what they did for their country… they should never be forgotten.”