Fred served at El Alamein and in New Guinea and Borneo during World War II before moving to Tallangatta about 1948.

He was buried with little fanfare in an unmarked grave when he died in November 1961.

There was no recognition at all of his overseas service.

All that changed on Saturday, when about 30 people lined up at Fred’s grave, which finally has a headstone, to acknowledge that he deserved a much more robust farewell.

“When we put on that uniform, we’re all brothers, no matter where we come from,” Kevin Barron said.

Red poppies were laid on the grave, and the haunting sounds of the Last Post rang the Tallangatta hills.

“It’s very important,” Kevin said.

“I acknowledge the people who held the function. I respect them and the people who came to pay their respects.”

Geoff McCormack, who held Saturday’s service, said it was important that Fred at last be recognised.

Amateur historian Jean Merbach was part of the push to have the headstone installed.

Fred, who was of Aboriginal heritage, passed himself off as being a Maori when living at Tallangatta to avoid prejudice.

Mrs Merbach said his true heritage had now been recognised.

“It was a wonderful service,” she said.

“There was only a dent in the ground here, but now he has recognised. “That is what I wanted.”