Lockyers remembered

Pilbara residents are set to reflect on the spirit of Australia's indigenous soldiers when they attend the Whim Creek Memorial Service this Sunday.

Held annually, the service honours all indigenous Diggers but particularly remembers the service of the Pilbara's five Lockyer brothers, who enlisted with the Australian army and air force during World War II.

With two of the brothers never making it home from the conflict, Australian Army Pilbara Regiment Captain Matthew Jones said the Lockyers' personified service and sacrifice.

"They went off to fight in World War II to defend Australia against invasion at a time when legally they weren't even recognised as citizens," he said.

"That is something (we should) be quite proud of."

In remembrance of the brothers and all indigenous Diggers, the Pilbara Regiment will support the Whim Creek service by mounting a ceremonial guard while Hedland and Karratha dignitaries attend alongside members of the Lockyer family and residents.

After working on Pilbara pastoral stations Edgar Lockyer, the oldest, and Arnold, the second oldest among the brothers, joined the Royal Australian Air Force.

Arnold never returned home after his plane was shot down over Indonesia.

He parachuted out but was captured by the Japanese.

Albert, Elliot and Eric, the three younger brothers, joined the army at the height of World War II. Eric , just 21, also never returned home.

The Whim Creek Memorial Service begins at 9.30am.

Hedland residents can catch a free shuttle bus to Whim Creek, which will leave from the Civic Centre in Port Hedland at 7.15am and the Kmart end of the South Hedland Shopping Centre at 7.45am.