THE grandson of an Albury war hero finished a “momentous” 1000-kilometre trek through the Northern Territory yesterday in honour of his grandfather.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Richard Borella was retracing the steps of Victoria Cross recipient Albert Borella, who travelled the distance in 1915 to enlist in World War I.
Mr Borella was joined by Darwin companions Charlie Cloos and Tim George, with the trio walking, riding on horseback, travelling in a horse-drawn mail cart and catching a train.
It was no mean feat considering the Albury man, who up until a couple of months ago, could not ride a horse.
“My two daughters and wife brought me up to speed on riding a horse and I also did some mountain bike riding before setting out on this journey to keep up my fitness,” Mr Borella said.
The 12-day journey set out along the Stuart Highway from Tennant Creek to Darwin.
The Borella Ride re-enactment is the Northern Territory Government’s flagship event for the Anzac Centenary Program.
Albert Borella was 33 when he did the trek and Mr Borella is 47.
“I have it a bit easier because I have a support team with me, so we are cooking our meals at night versus my grandfather who had to hunt for food every night,” he said.
“My water supply is also being carried for me, so I don’t have to look out for the next water hole.
“On day three I drank about eight litres of water because that’s how much you sweat in this humidity.”
Reflecting back on the challenge, Mr Borella said it had been a “momentous” journey that he would always remember.
His father, Rowan, followed the support crew in a motorhome.
“I am definitely proud of him, he’s done a marvellous job,” he said.
The final leg was by train from Pine Creek to Adelaide River and then on to Darwin where a parade was held through Bicentennial Park, alongside The Esplanade, to Stokes Hill Wharf.
A final ceremony was conducted by television presenter Ray Martin.