One of the Border's greatest war heroes has left a lasting legacy in the culture and corridors of Scots School Albury.
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And on Thursday, some of the exploits of James William Albert Simpson - awarded a Military Cross for valour at Gallipoli - were brought vividly to life for Year 9 English and Year 11 Modern History students.
Patrick Mangan, author of Brave Lover James Simpson, was invited to address the students ahead of Anzac Day, to share some of the details of this hero's short but action-packed life of service both on and off the battle fields.
James Simpson was a popular and dedicated teacher at the former Albury Grammar School (now Scots) for 10 years before he enlisted in the Australian Army and headed off to war in 1914.
"He is honoured in a variety of ways at Scots with a school house, Simpson, named after him and numerous plaques erected to remind the school of his legacy," Mangan said.
"The features of his legacy (at the school) include his popularity with pupils, his dedication to teaching and his army cadet work, his sporting and coaching prowess and his thoughtful leadership and development of all pupils. James was also being groomed to be the principal's successor."
James was also a fearsome footballer with the Albury Tigers and he contributed to a premiership victory in 1913, when the Tigers played North Albury.
He was to take those foundations into the arena of war, where his service and actions displayed great bravery, according to Mangan, who led students in a discussion about literacy, love and the attributes of leadership.
"The students answered the challenge with excellent questions and comments about James Simpson and Gallipoli," he said.
"They appreciated the importance of Gallipoli as a nation building event, despite the disastrous battle plans formulated by the British forces."
Scots School principal Mark Geraets said having a published author such as Magan spend time with students helped bring to life the history of those notable individuals "who have shaped our present day".
"James Simpson, being one of the founding fathers of Scots, took on new meaning for students as they identified with Simpson's proud footy days, early life at Scots and developed a deeper understanding of the man and the pressures of war and love of our school, the region and nation," Mr Geraets said.
"Students engaged with Patrick's revelations of the man James Simpson and sought to learn more about Simpson's home life, growing up in Albury, his time at Scots, and serving as a proud Australian during the war."
Mangan launched his book at Albury in March to coincide with the opening of the James Simpson - A Life of Service exhibition, which is on display at Albury LibraryMuseum until July 11.
