Operation Jacob Consecration in Orange

On Sunday, 23 March 2025, more than 75 years after Augustus Solomon Lipman, a Jewish First World War veteran, was buried in an unmarked grave in Orange General Cemetery, 45 people attended the consecration of his official war grave.

‘Gus’ Lipman died in Orange Base Hospital in 1949, but like 105 other diggers and a nurse who returned from WWI – including many who suffered “shell shock” – his grave remained unmarked in the nearby cemetery, until just four years ago, when local researcher Sharon Jameson discovered their woeful situation. Subsequently, John Thomas of Forgotten Diggers notified Peter Allen, Coordinator of Operation Jacob, and the Office of Australian War Graves recognised Lipman’s Jewish faith by including a Star of David on his headstone, also providing official war graves for many other veterans.  

Organised by Peter Allen, more than 25 people travelled from Sydney to Orange for the weekend, two from Melbourne and one from Canberra, joined by half a dozen Jews who live locally, for one of the largest Jewish gatherings held in the bustling NSW central western city. Prayer services were held on Friday evening and Shabbat morning in the beautiful Orange RSL Memorial Hall, led by three trainee Rabbis of Chabad of Rural and Regional Australia (RARA), with kosher food generously provided by the COA.

A very moving service arranged by the Orange RSL Sub-branch was held on Saturday for the 107 ex-servicemen and women whose graves are now marked with a headstone or commemorated in Orange General Cemetery. Later, some 20 Sydneysiders enjoyed a walking tour of the charming, historic city, led by Orange & District Historical Society. 

On Sunday, the Mayor of Orange, Cr Tony Mileto, also attended the consecration service at Driver Lipman’s grave, officiated by Australian Army Chaplain Rabbanit Judith Levitan, that included an emotional address by Gus’ grand-nephew Peter Howarth OAM. Abram (aka Augustus) Solomon Lipman, born 1879, served with Motor Transport Companies in France 1917-19. A Remembrance Service ensued for all six Jewish servicemen of Orange, including two who died on service (Pte Charles Rosenwax, KIA 1917 & Gnr Alan Rosenberg, DPOW 1943) and Jack Silver (died 1994). He is buried in the small Jewish Section, where kaddish was recited. AJHS member Gary Luke also spoke. 

“What a wonderful and spiritual weekend adventure in Orange,” Sydney’s David Newman reflected, “Operation Jacob not only did honour to the deceased soldiers, but also brought honour to the Jewish community in a country city where there are few Jews.”

Meanwhile, in pursuit of the correction of Sig. Jacob Sorsky and P/O Raymond Shaw’s headstones (KIA WWII), Operation Jacob met the Minister for Veterans Affairs last September. Subsequently, he agreed to direct the Australian High Commissioner in London to seek review of the cases by the Commonwealth War Graves Commissioners.