This morning I had the privilege of representing the Tasmanian Government at the official unveiling of 13 headstones for World War One veterans buried in unmarked plots at Cornelian Bay Cemetery in Hobart.
The installation of the headstones has been coordinated by the Tasmanian Headstone Project, led by historian Ms Andrea Gerrard.
For a number of veterans who died in Tasmania after they returned from the War, their personal or financial circumstances meant that tragically their graves were never marked or that since their interment, the grave marking has been lost.
I commend members of the Tasmanian Headstone Project for their dedication in rectifying these sad circumstances, and for ensuring that these veterans are shown the respect they deserve for serving our country in battle and are forever remembered in a meaningful and enduring way.
Adding to the importance of today’s special occasion was the involvement of four local high schools. 13 students from Claremont College, Ogilvie High School, New Town High School and Rose Bay High School each assisted with researching the history of the servicemen and were present to unveil the headstones today.
The work they have done is invaluable, not just to the families of the soldiers, but to Tasmania, and I am heartened by the students’ interest in the lives of veterans long past and in ensuring the bravery of these men who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, is never forgotten.
A father and son are two of the 13 men that were recognised with a memorial today. Charles Illslow, a 44 year old widowed miner from Hamilton, signed up with the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) in November 1915 (6th Field Artillery Brigade) and just four months later his 21 year old son, John Illslow, a butcher from Zeehan, followed suit, serving with the3rd Australian Divisional Mechanical Transport Company.
I had the honour of unveiling with Claremont College student researcher Matthew Stocks, the plaque of Sergeant Arthur Alexander Page, who served in the 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion and was wounded in action, losing sight in one eye permanently.
The 13 plaques unveiled today were for: Frank Edward Clark, Clifford William Gower, Charles James Illslow, John Illslow, Arthur Alexander Page, Daniel Pursell, John Scantlebury Rowe, Henry James, Charles McCallum, William Peter Scott, Henry Waters, William Bradley and David Evan Williams.
The Tasmanian Government contributed $4950 from the Centenary of ANZAC Grants Program towards the cost of the plaques.
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