More than 100 years after his death, a South Australian soldier who answered the call to serve in the First World War will finally receive recognition at Adelaide’s National War Memorial this Remembrance Day.
Private Frederick Turner died in 1917 after contracting tuberculosis in England during his military service. Despite making the ultimate sacrifice, his name was omitted from the South Australian National War Memorial, an oversight that will finally be corrected today, Wednesday 11 November.
His name will be unveiled during a special ceremony following Adelaide’s official Remembrance Day service, thanks to the work of Virtual War Memorial Australia.
It’s a particularly moving addition to this year’s commemorations, as South Australians gather across the state to remember the generations of men and women who have served our country.
At 11am, communities will pause for one minute’s silence, marking 108 years since the Armistice that brought fighting in the First World War to an end in 1918.
The official South Australian service will begin at 10.45am at the National War Memorial on the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue in Adelaide.
Premier Peter Malinauskas and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Chris Picton will join Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, dignitaries and members of the public to pay their respects.
More than 103,000 Australians have lost their lives in service to the nation, with countless families and communities continuing to feel the impact of war and military service.
For Veterans’ Affairs Minister Chris Picton, today’s recognition of Private Turner is an important reminder that every individual story deserves to be remembered.
“Today we also honour Private Frederick Turner who answered his country’s call in World War I and was one of so many who sadly died because of disease linked to answering the call of service to his country – and has been absent from our War Memorial for over 100 years.”
The Minister also acknowledged the sacrifices made by those who returned home, and the families who supported them.
“We honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who returned home forever changed by their service, and the families who have stood beside them.”
For Veterans SA Director Bianca Wheeler, who has served in the military herself, Remembrance Day carries a deeply personal significance.
“Remembrance Day has always been personal for me. You think of the people you served alongside, and of the generations before them who set the standard, we strived to live up to. Remembrance is about honouring them by name, not just in number.”
This year’s commemorations also come as the South Australian Government develops proposed legislation intended to strengthen recognition and support for the state’s 48,000 veterans and their families.
The proposed laws would establish an ongoing framework for considering veterans’ needs in government policies, programs and services, with statewide consultation planned to help shape the legislation.
While today’s official ceremony will take place in Adelaide, Remembrance Day services will also be held throughout metropolitan and regional South Australia.
Those unable to attend a memorial service are encouraged to observe a minute’s silence at 11am, whether at work, at school or at home.
As Bianca Wheeler reminds South Australians, remembrance is not only about honouring those who have passed.
“Remembrance isn’t only about the past. It’s about the present and the future, the families who carry the cost of service, and the veterans living and working in our communities today. Honouring service means valuing what they continue to contribute to South Australia.”
Lest we forget.
Remembrance Day 2026 – Adelaide official service
When: Wednesday 11 November 2026, 10.45am
Where: South Australian National War Memorial, corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue, Adelaide
Moment of silence: 11am
Special ceremony: Unveiling of Private Frederick Turner’s name following the official service
Cost: Free to attend
For other local commemorations, contact your local council or RSL branch.
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