A SPECIAL gathering at a house on Fernhill Road Monday signifies the latest step in one man's quest to recognise a true Port Macquarie hero.
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Port Macquarie mayor Peter Besseling will join representatives of the RSL sub branch and relatives of Alban Charles Elliott at his former residence.
Mr Elliott has served more time as mayor of Port Macquarie than anyone else. He was a decorated hero of both world wars the first president of the sub branch.
His bravery at the Battle of Polygon Wood in September 1917 was extraordinary. Mr Elliott was badly shaken twice by shells, but he was instrumental in the victory.
He was gassed on numerous occasions during the fighting, and also wounded in action in World War II.
Mr Elliott received a mention in despatches from Bellicourt for his gallantry, and a Military Cross.
His post-war achievements were also impressive.
Mr Elliott was a prominent member of the surf club and golf club, and his mayoral commitments were astounding.
He wore the robes from 1925 to 1936.
He moved to Sydney and served in the Supreme Court. Mr Elliott died in 1978 and is interred at Port Macquarie.
People have come from far and wide for today's gathering.
The man behind it, Port resident David King, has tracked down some of Mr Elliott's relatives from the other side of the world.
It took him 18 months to find anyone. First, Mr King found Mr Elliott's grandson in Surrey, England.
He put him in contact with another grandson in Minnesota, USA.
That man, Peter Thompson, will be in Port Macquarie today, along with his brother John.
He will bring with him some more photographs of Mr Elliott, which will be important for Port Macquarie's history.
"This guy at the time was hugely popular," Mr King said.
Sub-branch treasurer Colin Clark will attend as a representative of the RSL.
It's about time Mr Elliott was recognised, according to Mr King.
"What I'm about is getting recognition for him," he said.
It all began when Mr King moved to the house seven years ago. He became curious about its former owner.
It has plenty of history, too. It was in William Street, but was moved to Fernhill Road.
Mr King just wants Mr Elliott to be remembered.
He thinks he's finally getting somewhere.
"I've been plugging away, but I think we're definitely making progress," Mr King said.
"He was a dead-set legend, this guy."
