Private Ronald Thomas Smith Memorial Plaque, Moree

About

This bronze plaque commemorates the service record of Private Ronald Thomas Smith, an indigenous serviceman who was killed and buried in New Guinea in the Second World War. In the plaque's top left and right corners respectively are the rising sun emblem of the Australian Imperial Force and a simple Latin cross. The dedication to Private Smith, which includes a list of his immediate family members, is in raised gold lettering in the centre of the plaque.  The memorial is attached at the top of a large bushrock. Below it is a similar memorial plaque for Gunner Percy Adam Morris Suey, an indigenous serviceman who also served in the Second World War. The bushrock is positioned within a commemorative area in the Aboriginal section of Moree Cemetery. The area is known as 'Tranquility' and features a semi-circular retaining wall, with in-built seating, garden beds, and another large bushrock. Attached to this rock is the Moree Aboriginal Servicemen Memorial. The plaque was designed by Moree Plains Shire and the Moree Aboriginal Corporation. The research for the plaque was undertaken by the Moree Aboriginal Corporation for Historical Research, which was led by Aunty Noeline Briggs-Smith OAM, Aboriginal elder, researcher, author, and cultural presenter. A plaque recognising their efforts is attached below the plaque for Gunner Suey.  The plaques for Private Smith and Gunner Suey were placed in the Moree Cemetery in July 2001, during a 'Bringing Their Services Home' service, as part of NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) celebrations. The service was officiated by Moree's Deputy Mayor Mike Montgomery and RSL President Mr John Rushbourne. Note: Information for this listing has been contributed by Aunty Noeline Briggs-Smith. Aunty Noeline has completed detailed research on the life of Private Smith and Gunner Suey.

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