A gravestone for Gunner John McGillen MM was one of 10 unveiled today as a mark of respect for World War One veterans buried in unmarked graves at Cornelian Bay Cemetery.
Gunner McGillen was awarded the Military Medal for displaying ``exceptional courage, coolness and resource in conveying despatches to batteries’’ on 24 April, 1918 – 97 years ago today.
The Tasmanian Headstones Project seeks to identify and mark the graves of all World War One veterans who were buried in unmarked graves in Tasmania and the Hodgman Liberal Government contributed $4950 from the Centenary of ANZAC Grants Program towards the cost of plaques.
For a number of veterans who died in Tasmania after they returned from the War their personal or financial circumstances meant that their graves were never marked or the marking of their grave has been lost since their burial.
To lie anonymously and without acknowledgement after having served their country in battle is a tragic and sad circumstance.
The unveiling of the graves involved students from St Virgil’s College who researched the life and service of each veteran. Members of the St Virgil’s band and choir also participated in the event.
The 10 soldiers are: Trooper John McTigue, Gunner John McGillen, Pte Richard Alfred Farrell, Matthew Michael Ready, Pte George Wallace, Pte Oliver Walter Kelleher, Edward Shreeve, Cyril Charles Devine, Pte Lawrence Patrick Rider and Pte James Curran.
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