Remembering Narrabri’s Fallen: The Story of Private Vivian Hulbert

Former Narrabri resident Andrew Willetts recently visited France and Belgium, where he paid tribute to his second cousin, Private Vivian Hulbert of Narrabri.

Private Hulbert was killed in action in May 1918.

The article shares his story, his family’s enduring grief, and the importance of battlefield tours in ensuring our fallen are never forgotten.

“I believe this story will resonate strongly with our community, as it not only honours one of Narrabri’s own but also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many from our region,” Mr Willetts said.

“When given the chance to pay respect to our fallen soldiers in France and Belgium, the experience becomes more than history – it becomes deeply personal.

“To stand on those battlefields and reflect on the sacrifice of young men who gave their lives for our freedom is profoundly moving.

“Recently, my wife Louise and I were fortunate to take part in an eight-day battlefield tour led by historian Matt MacLachlan, made possible through the generosity of the Hogno family from Dubbo.

“The journey allowed us to see where our cousins fought and where they are remembered today from the First World War.

“One of Narrabri’s own, Private Vivian Hulbert, was among those who paid the ultimate price.

“Vivian was the only son of Alfred and Priscilla Hulbert.

“My mother, Lettie Willetts (née Hulbert), recalled her uncle and aunt as sombre people, forever carrying the grief of losing their only son.

“Vivian was just 19-years-old when he was killed in action on May 13, 1918.

“Serving with the 17th Battalion, he only survived a few weeks on the front line before his life was cut short.

“Like so many others, Vivian has no known resting place.

“Instead, his sacrifice is remembered in three places: on the Narrabri RSL honour roll, on the memorial once displayed at the old Narrabri Public School, and on the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Honouring Vivian Hulbert: Andrew Willetts at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.

“His name is also etched on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial in France, ensuring he is remembered both at home and abroad.

“For me, the most powerful moment of the journey came when I stood before his name at Villers-Bretonneux, holding up a photo of Vivian to the carved stone.

“It was a moment made possible not only by my wife Louise, who captured the photograph, but also by the support of my fellow travellers Jamie, John, and Rick, who stood with me in remembrance.

“Tours such as those offered by Matt MacLachlan provide Australians with a powerful opportunity to connect with our past.

“They remind us that the men who lie in foreign fields are not just names on a roll, but family members, neighbours, and sons of our towns – men meant to be remembered.

“As we reflect on the service of soldiers like Vivian Hulbert, we are reminded of the promise made after the Great War: We will remember them. Lest we forget.”