Published on Friday, 24 April 2026 at 5:33:00 PM
A significant piece of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s history has returned home; with the World War I service medals of Private Edward Erskine “Erskine” Poynton reunited with the community he once called home.
The medals, belonging to the young Goldfields soldier who was killed in action in France in 1916, were formally handed over to the Goldfields War Museum on 24 April, ensuring his story and sacrifice are preserved for future generations.
At the handover ceremony, held on the eve of ANZAC Day, Mayor Glenn Wilson formally accepted the medals on behalf of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, acknowledging the extraordinary journey that has brought them back more than a century after they were first presented to Private Poynton’s family.
A young life connected to the Goldfields
Born in Victoria in 1895, Edward Erskine Poynton was raised in Boulder, where he attended South Boulder School. His father was the Headmaster of Kalgoorlie Central School, and the family lived on Croesus Street in Boulder, with strong ties within the local community.
As a young man, Erskine enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force just two days after his 20th birthday in 1915. He served with the 51st Australian Infantry Battalion, service number 2767, and was deployed to France the following year.
In July 1916, while holding trenches near Fleurbaix, France, Erskine was killed during a heavy artillery bombardment, one of many young Australians who lost their lives far from home during the First World War.
A journey across generations and continents
Originally issued to his family in 1922, Erskine’s medals were later lost to the community. More than a century later, they resurfaced with a war medal broker in London, where they were purchased by South African visitor Evyn Thorne, who has a strong personal commitment to preserving military history.
During a visit to Kalgoorlie‑Boulder with this wife Wilhelmien, Evyn recognised Erskine’s name on the Roll of Honour at the Goldfields War Museum. Through careful research, the medals were traced back to the Goldfields.
With the support of local residents and tour guides Allison Golsby and Carl Nunan, the decision was made to return the medals to the community where Erskine’s story began. The medals have since travelled from South Africa to Kalgoorlie‑Boulder, completing a remarkable journey home.
Private Poynton is commemorated on several honour rolls, including South Boulder School, the 84th Infantry Regiment, Roseworthy Agricultural College and the Australian War Memorial. His medals will now be permanently housed at the Goldfields War Museum, ensuring his legacy continues to be honoured and shared with future generations.
Speaking at the handover, Mayor Wilson said the return of the medals was about more than history, describing the moment as “welcoming one of our own back home”. He also acknowledged the generosity and care shown by Evyn and Wilhelmien Thorne and all those involved in returning the medals, particularly on the eve of ANZAC Day, when the community pauses to remember the sacrifice of those who served.
Pictured (L-R): Carl Nunan, City Senior Heritage Officer Tim Cudini, Allison Golsby, City Historian Tim Moore and Mayor Glenn Wilson
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