Laidley pays tribute to local wartime legacy

Honouring Private Marsh

On 15 August, Laidley’s Pioneer Village hosted a commemoration service to honour local serviceman Private William ‘Billy’ Richard Marsh, and all those who fought alongside him, never to return home.

William was the eldest son of ten children born to William and Daisy Marsh on 15 March 1918 in Laidley.

He enlisted in the Australian Army on 29 May 1941, at the age of 23, joining the 2nd/29th Australian Infantry Battalion – an elite frontline unit of the 8th Australian Division who fought in the Battle of Muar and Battle of Singapore.

When Singapore fell on 15 February 1942, William was captured and became a Prisoner of War. He was sent to Borneo with "B Force" aboard the Ubi Maru, arriving at Sandakan in July 1942 to build an airfield.

Despite three years of starvation and brutal conditions, William survived the camp. In early 1945, he was forced onto the infamous First Death March toward Ranau.

William tragically died along the jungle track at the Paginatan post on 16 March 1945, aged 27.

Private William Richard Marsh of the 2/29th Australian Infantry Battalion. Photo credit: Australian War Memorial P10286508

Service bigger than one individual

Private Marsh’s memorial ceremony served as a timely reminder of Australia's long history of military service and the responsibility communities share in ensuring that legacy is not forgotten.

While separated by different conflicts and generations, the service of Australians in World War II is united by shared values of duty, sacrifice and commitment to country.

The ceremony at the Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum was more than a tribute to one serviceman. It was a reflection of the way communities preserve memory, honour sacrifice and ensure the stories of those who served are never forgotten.

While the passing of time can soften the details of history, occasions such as this remind us that service leaves a lasting impact.

Through archival records, family connections and community remembrance, the service of Private Marsh was honoured – a powerful reminder of the ordinary Australians who answered the call of service during extraordinary times. 

Their legacy lives on

Though Private Marsh’s resting place remains unknown, his memory lives on.

“This ceremony is a symbol of the unbreakable bond and the shared suffering of the 2,434 Prisoners of War who endured the Sandakan tragedy,” the Marsh Family says.

“80 years later, in the town where his Billy’s life began, we are here to say that he and his mates have not been forgotten. For the families who waited for men who never came home – we remember them.” 

Together with Laidley RSL Sub Branch and veteran charity Bootstraps, Private Marsh and his fellow troops were honoured with a Guard of Honour, a reading of the Ode, and one minute silence.

RSL Queensland Moreton District President, Paul Rogers says the ceremony was a meaningful way to not only honour the legacy of Private Marsh, but his brothers in arms.

“It was a privilege for us to share this moment with the Marsh family, and to pay tribute to the service of one of our own.

“The brave men who served in WWII gave the ultimate sacrifice and they deserve to be remembered.”

In honouring Private Marsh, the community also honoured the thousands of Australians whose service continues to shape our national story.