Bunbury Show success a war sacrifice

With less than three weeks until the Bunbury Show, medals won by two brothers more than 100 years ago at events held in Bunbury have been revealed to the South Western Times.

John Lowe, whose family has been in the Harvey community since the late 19th century, proudly displayed the gold and silver medallions won by his father Jack and his uncle Jim.The two men, who were keen horsemen, competed in and won equestrian events at agricultural shows across Western Australia before World War I.

The medals, which date from 1909, hold special significance to the family.

"My dad said he and his brother used to travel all over to take part in show jumping events," Mr Lowe said.

"They were very close and went everywhere together."

That was until the outbreak of World War I, when Jim, the older of the two, enlisted in 11th Battalion two weeks after war was declared in 1914. He left Australia in November of that year and landed with his mates on the fatal shore at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

Sadly, he was killed in action one week later.

His brother Jack joined the army the following year, serving on the Western Front in France.

After the war, Jack Lowe was involved in shows throughout the South West and took particular interest in equestrian events, said his son.

The success and sacrifice of the two brothers will be remembered at this year's show as competitors participate in the 2015 Bunbury Show Jumping Classic on April 11 and 12.