IN A tribute to members who served in World War I, the Murray Bridge Rowing Club has named a new boat for the 24 men from the club who volunteered for active service during from 1914 to 1918.

Eight of the club’s 24 young men made the supreme sacrifice and did not return to their families.

The eight men, Private G.F.W. ‘Jock’ Carter, Private Hermann Fischer, Private L.W. ‘Mick’ Hannaford, Lance Corporal ‘Skeet’ Harvey, Private H. ‘Ned’ Joyce, Sergeant A.C. ‘Alf’ Harrison, Private F ‘Fred’ Robbins and Sergeant A.B. ‘Arthur’ Towersare, are named on the boat christened the MBRC Anzac.

The bow coxed quad scull was funded by grants from the Department of Recreation and Sport, Rural City of Murray Bridge and club fundraising.

Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick and Murray Bridge mayor Allan Arbon shared the honour of christening the boat on Anzac Day last week.

A 40-kilometre endurance row from Mannum to Murray Bridge also formed part of the rowing club’s Anzac Day commemorative activities.

The day started with crews from Murray Bridge, Goolwa, Southport, Adelaide and Adelaide University clubs attending the dawn service at Mannum.

The 14 crews with six support boats were sent on their way with words of encouragement from Adelaide Rowing Club war veteran Richard Turnbull.

Crews stopped at Wood Lane for a break and morning tea before resuming their row.

The crews grouped at Avoca Dell to make a grand entrance into Murray Bridge, rowing under the two bridges just after 1.30pm.

A barbecue lunch followed and a large group of rowers and club supporters were present to witness the naming of the MBRC Anzac.

Club secretary Chris McRae is researching club history for the 2009 centenary celebrations and has produced some background information on the Murray Bridge Rowing Club Anzacs.

- Details: The club is happy to share the Anzac information with descendants or other interested people. Chris McRae can be contacted on 08 8532 3924.