On behalf of the State of Tasmania, I was honoured today to accept a First World War Australian bayonet from the Pozieres Remembrance Association.
The Association, represented by President Mr Barry Gracey, presented the bayonet, dug from the fields around Pozieres, on behalf of the Mayor and people of Pozieres, site of one of Australia’s bloodiest First World War battles.
Fought 99 years ago this year, Pozieres is still the greatest ever loss of Australian life in wartime or peace with around 6,800 men killed during the seven-week campaign.
Approximately 13 per cent of all Australian combat deaths in the First World War occurred at Pozieres, including Longford-born Captain Keith Heritage, reputed to have been the first Australian to enlist in the Great War and a survivor of Gallipoli.
4112 of the dead still have no known grave, making the battlefield at Pozieres the largest Australian military cemetery without a headstone.
It is estimated that about 440 Tasmanians were killed during the battle.
The service and sacrifice of the ANZACs in this battle was extraordinary. This terrible loss of life should never be forgotten, particularly during this Centenary of ANZAC commemorative period.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is a strong supporter of Tasmania’s veterans and ex-serving organisations and we are honoured to receive this bayonet from Pozieres to mark that sacrifice.
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