A plaque dedicated to Walter Rupert Tink, who died while serving at Gaza in 1917, was returned to his family on Friday, March 20.

Twenty-four-year-old Walter, from Benalong, Dubbo, had been working as a grazier before he enlisted on March 14, 1916, according to Australian War Memorial Records.

He served with the 7th Australian Light Horse Regiment was kill in action in Palestine on March 26, 1917, the records say.

Curiously, the newly recovered plaque lists Walter's date of death as March 16, 1917, a full 10 days earlier than the official record.

Twenty years ago, the plaque had been ready for the tip when it was rescued by Peak Hill resident, John Van Der Reyden.

Mr Van Der Reyden kept the plaque, and said that with two sons in the military, the plaque had meant more and more to him over the years.

"I've held onto it for all these years," he said. "I could see this should go to the family."

Bucky Tink is Walter's nephew, and said he was very pleased to have the plaque back in the family.

"It's a honour to think my uncle served this country and paid the penalty," he said.

Mr Tink said it was especially wonderful to be reunited with the plaque, since Walter's body was never found.