Second Lieutenant K M Day Memorial Plaque

The memorial is a brass plaque dedicated to two young brothers who lost their lives during the First World War; Second Lieutenant Kenneth Maitland Day who enlisted in the Australian Infantry Force and Rifleman Mervyn Dove Day who enlisted in the New Zealand Army. The plaque features a simple black incised border and decorative black and red lettering.

Kenneth Maitland Day enlisted at age 27 on 15 October 1914 as a Sergeant in the AIF. As a member of the 13th Battalion, he sailed from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 22 December 1914. He rose to Second Lieutenant in the 35th Battalion and was killed in action on 12 October 1917 at Passchendaele Ridge in Belgium. 

The Molong Argus, 2 November 1917, published a detailed obituary for Second Lieutenant Day, including his early employment in New Zealand and Molong as well as his service with the AIF. His brother, Mervyn Dove Day, enlisted as a Rifleman in the New Zealand Army and was a member of the 4th Battalion, 3rd New Zealand and Rifle Brigade when he was killed on 20 September 1916 on the Somme.

A large congregation attended St John's Anglican Church for the dedication service for the two brothers on 17 July 1920. Among those present were the soldiers' parents, Mr and Mrs J D Day, Mr and Mrs Ken Smith (brother-in-law and sister), Miss Thea Day (sister), Brigadier General Goddard, Major Dudley Smith, Major Lowing and Lieutenant Dawson. The altar, pulpit, lectern and prayer desk were decorated with Australian flags and Union Jacks. The Rector, Reverend J A Poole, led the service of dedication and called on Brigadier General Goddard to unveil the plaque, which was attached to the western wall of the church and covered by the New Zealand flag (Molong Argus, 23 July 1920). 

The plaque is available for viewing when the church is open for services.