A Hero Remembered

William Westbury’s Legacy Lives On Through His Grandson, Uncle Ken Jones

For Uncle Ken Jones, a Boandik Elder and passionate cultural educator, storytelling is more than a tradition, it’s a responsibility. So, when he realised that his grandfather’s legacy was fading from public memory, he set out to bring William Westbury’s story back into the light.

Uncle Ken worked tirelessly to ensure that William Westbury — South Australia’s only known Aboriginal veteran of the Boer War and a decorated World War I soldier would be honoured with the dignity and recognition he long deserved. In 2018, thanks to Ken’s efforts, the town of Pinnaroo unveiled a new memorial plaque that properly acknowledged Westbury’s extraordinary dual service and leadership.

Year of Article: 2018

Ken described the moment as deeply emotional “like a funeral, 80 years too late.” His drive to correct the record reflects not only a personal mission, but a broader push to make sure Indigenous contributions to Australia’s military history are no longer overlooked.

Born in Mount Gambier, William Westbury enlisted in the Second Boer War in 1901, joining Australian troops in South Africa. He later returned to fight again in World War I, serving at Gallipoli and on the Western Front in France, two of the most defining theatres in Australia’s war history.

Westbury was promoted to Lance Sergeant, a rare honour for any soldier, but particularly extraordinary for an Aboriginal man at a time when Australia’s Indigenous population was widely excluded from civil and military life. He was placed in command of white Australian troops, breaking down both military and societal barriers through his leadership and bravery.

Despite his remarkable achievements, William Westbury died in 1936 with little formal recognition. Like many Aboriginal soldiers of his time, his service was quietly sidelined by a nation not yet ready to acknowledge the contributions of First Nations people.

Through Uncle Ken Jones’ efforts, William Westbury’s service was officially recognised with a new plaque at the Pinnaroo Cemetery. The revised inscription details both his Boer War and WWI involvement and identifies him as the trailblazer he was not just for his family, but for Australia.

This act of remembrance is about more than one man. It’s part of a broader movement to restore visibility and respect to Aboriginal veterans, many of whom fought for a country that denied them basic rights. Ken’s work exemplifies how intergenerational storytelling can heal, educate, and empower, ensuring that these vital chapters of history are not lost again.

📖 Read the full article:ABC News – Indigenous war hero William Westbury remembered in Pinnaroo