Memorial Walk CBD Secondary teacher resource.pdf
Memorial Walk CBD Secondary teacher resource.pdf
Memorial Walk CBD Secondary teacher resource.pdf
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<strong>Memorial</strong> <strong>Walk</strong><br />
<strong>Secondary</strong> Teacher Resource
Front Cover<br />
1. Burnside District Fallen Soldiers’ <strong>Memorial</strong><br />
Corner of Prescott Terrace and Alexandra Ave, Rose Park<br />
2. Unley Soldiers <strong>Memorial</strong> Gardens<br />
Unley Road, Unley. Adjacent Unley Shopping Centre<br />
3. Anzac <strong>Memorial</strong><br />
Lundie Gardens, South Terrace Adelaide. Western end, close to Goodwood Rd.<br />
4. Unley Soldiers <strong>Memorial</strong> Gardens<br />
Unley Road, Unley. Adjacent Unley Shopping Centre<br />
5. Pathway of Honour<br />
Northern Side of Government House between King William Rd and Kintore Ave<br />
(No. 3 on enclosed map)<br />
6. Unley Soldier <strong>Memorial</strong> Gardens<br />
Unley Road, Unley. Adjacent Unley Shopping Centre<br />
7. South Australian National War <strong>Memorial</strong><br />
Corner of North Tce and King William Rd (No. 4 on enclosed map)<br />
8. <strong>Memorial</strong> Gardens<br />
Brooker Terrace, Hilton<br />
9. Boer War <strong>Memorial</strong><br />
Corner of King William Rd and North Tce (No. 5 on enclosed map)<br />
10. Australian Light Horse And War Horse <strong>Memorial</strong>s<br />
Corner of North Tce and East Tce (No. 8 on enclosed map)<br />
11. Australian Light Horse And War Horse <strong>Memorial</strong>s<br />
Corner of North Tce and East Tce (No. 8 on enclosed map)<br />
12. Torrens Parade Ground<br />
King William Rd (No. 2 on enclosed map)<br />
13. West Terrace Cemetery<br />
Corner of Anzac Highway and West Tce (entrance off West Tce)<br />
1
1 WOMEN’S WAR MEMORIAL<br />
Background Information<br />
Time to allow: 15 to 20 minutes.<br />
The Women’s War <strong>Memorial</strong> was the idea of Miss Ethel Wyatt who was a member of the<br />
Women’s War <strong>Memorial</strong> Committee. The committee began accepting donations from the<br />
women of South Australia in 1919. The memorial is dedicated to all those who paid the<br />
supreme sacrifice in time of war. It includes the Cross of Sacrifice (unveiled April 25 1922)<br />
and the Stone of Remembrance (unveiled April 25 1923) positioned at opposite ends of the<br />
Memory Garden. Behind the stone is the crescent shaped Seat of Remembrance.<br />
Placed in the base of the Cross of Sacrifice is an urn containing names of British, French and<br />
Allied troops who served during the Great war. Women also placed small violet bags into the<br />
base of the cross, which contained names of loved ones who died in the war.<br />
There are also coins and documents of the period embedded in the base of the Stone of<br />
Remembrance.<br />
Student questions<br />
(1) The Women’s War <strong>Memorial</strong> includes what three key elements? Answer by<br />
completing the diagram below.<br />
The Cross of Sacrifice<br />
The Memory Garden<br />
The Stone of Remembrance / Seat of Remembrance<br />
(2) When was the Cross of Sacrifice unveiled?<br />
April 25 1922<br />
(3) When was the Stone of Remembrance unveiled?<br />
April 25 1923<br />
2
(4) “The serene, elegant surroundings of the Pennington Gardens memorial remind us<br />
of the silent suffering of the Women of Australia in times of war”. (Quote from he<br />
RSL Brochure on the gardens.)<br />
Outline what roles women played during World War I that would have assisted in<br />
keeping up morale at home and supporting the war effort overseas. Some roles included<br />
Kept families together even when loved ones were killed<br />
Worked to raise money for Comfort Funds<br />
Kept vital industries going during World War I<br />
Worked as nurses both in Australia and overseas<br />
Wrote letters to soldiers overseas<br />
Worked with the Red Cross who assisted to find out information about missing<br />
soldiers.<br />
They also worked in Cheer Up huts keeping up the morale of soldiers.<br />
(5) Why is the Women’s <strong>Memorial</strong> Gardens placed on such an unusual angle in<br />
Pennington Gardens? Hint: Sit on the Seat of Remembrance and look towards the<br />
Cross of Sacrifice.<br />
The Cross of Sacrifice is positioned in the centre of the two spires of St Peters<br />
cathedral. The fact that the cross is lined up with the cross on the cathedral has<br />
religious significance. It demonstrates the importance of religion to South Australian<br />
society at that time.<br />
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information taken from the RSL brochure on the Women’s War <strong>Memorial</strong>.<br />
This brochure is available from RSL headquarters (ph. 08 8232 0322).<br />
The Cheer Up Society Honour Roll and piano (signed by 1000s of servicemen and their<br />
families) is on display at the Keswick Army Museum.<br />
Women from the Cheer-Up society kept up morale of the soldiers by<br />
Cooking them meals<br />
Meeting them at the Adelaide Railway Station when they departed and returned from<br />
overseas.<br />
Visiting the wounded soldiers in hospital.<br />
Taking soldiers out on trips to various places including Waterfall Gully and Morialta<br />
Falls.<br />
3
2 TORRENS PARADE GROUND<br />
Background Information<br />
Time to allow: 5 minutes.<br />
The area on which the Torrens Parade Ground is situated was originally used for a range of<br />
purposes including a quarry for the stone to build many early buildings in Adelaide such as<br />
Government House and the wall that surrounds it. The quarry was rich in fossils and shells<br />
and of great interest to geologists of the time. The site was subsequently used as a paddock for<br />
depasturing police horses and a dump for various road works debris. Known as the police<br />
paddock, it was described as generally unsightly in a report in the Adelaide “Register” in<br />
August of 1892.<br />
It was during the 1890s, when most of the beautification of North Terrace and the planting of<br />
avenues of elms and other trees including palms took place, that the idea of a parade ground<br />
was conceived. As part of this program of work the establishment of the Torrens Parade<br />
Ground was undertaken. The parade ground with its framework of green lawns and handsome<br />
trees was considered as a great improvement to the area.<br />
The Parade Ground was completed in mid 1893 at a cost of £1,624. It was formally opened on<br />
the 20 June 1893.<br />
During the Boer War and World Wars I and II South Australian raised contingents,<br />
units and battalions assembled at Torrens Parade Ground prior to departing for<br />
overseas service. Over the years the Parade Ground has been used for a range of other<br />
military and civilian purposes. As the result of an arrangement with the State Government the<br />
Drill Hall located on the Parade Ground will shortly be leased to three Ex–Service<br />
organisations. They are the South Australian branch of the RSL (Returned and Services<br />
League; the VVA (Vietnam Veterans’ Association); and RAAFA (Royal Australian Air Force<br />
Association).<br />
Student questions<br />
(1) What was the site of the Torrens Parade Ground originally used as? Hint: the<br />
original use is suggested by the split level of the parade grounds and the area to the<br />
south adjoining Government House.<br />
It had been used as a quarry for stone for Government House and other buildings in<br />
Adelaide.<br />
(2) What was the significance of the Torrens Parade Ground during the Boer War,<br />
World Wars I and II?<br />
It was the location from which all South Australian troops left for overseas during the<br />
Boer War, World Wars I and II.<br />
4
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information taken from an article ‘Establishment of Torrens Parade Ground’<br />
– photocopy available from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.<br />
5
2 THE RSL ( Torrens Drill Hall –<br />
RSL State Headquarters)<br />
Background Information<br />
Time to allow: 30 minutes.<br />
How the League Evolved<br />
The mateship of the Australian bush, the city larrikins, and the solidarity of trade unionism<br />
spilled over into the first Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and hence into the Returned<br />
Soldiers' movement initially known as the Returned Soldiers Association (RSA).<br />
The predecessor of the RSL was formed whilst The Great War, also known as World War I,<br />
was still in progress. It evolved as a direct result of the camaraderie, concern and mateship<br />
shown by the "Diggers" for the welfare of their mates during and following the First World<br />
War.<br />
The following quote from the RSL website suggests reasons for the longevity of its attraction<br />
to its members; "A simple code of mateship and nationalism explains the appeal of the<br />
Returned & Services League of Australia. The unswerving loyalty to mates and assertive<br />
Australian nationalism (is what gives) the League its strength. The (original) membership was<br />
largely self-educated: the men of World War I who remained in control of the League until<br />
well after World War II and had few formal educational opportunities, and the men and<br />
women who served from 1939 to 1945 received their education in uniform."<br />
"The leadership of the League has rarely been drawn from the military or social elite. The<br />
egalitarian nature of the League reflects more than the soldiers' suspicion of 'brass hats' and<br />
the wider Australian desire to cut down 'tall poppies'”.<br />
South Australian involvement<br />
The RSA (Returned Soldiers Association) was formed in Adelaide on the 8 December 1915.<br />
South Australia was represented in the first RSSILA (The Returned Soldiers and Sailors<br />
Imperial League of Australia) Congress, the predecessor of the RSL (Returned and Services<br />
League) which met in September 1916. Captain Arthur Blackburn VC, a South Australian<br />
member, was instrumental in drafting the first RSSILA Constitution. Other inaugural<br />
delegates included representatives from Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria. NSW was<br />
admitted in March 1917 and WA in March 1918, with all states joining before the end of<br />
World War I on the 11 November 1918.<br />
The Role and Objectives of the RSL<br />
The role of the RSL is to serve the interests of its members, veterans, the ex-service<br />
community and members of the Australian Defence Force. The RSL works in a number of<br />
areas including welfare, advocacy, commemoration and remembrance, provision of<br />
camaraderie and mateship to members and political lobbying. Its objectives include the<br />
"Promotion of loyalty and pride which the League has for the Nation, its people, the Crown<br />
and the Flag".<br />
6
Student questions<br />
(1) What do the letters RSSILA and RSL represent?<br />
The Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia and the Returned and<br />
Services League.<br />
(2) How does the RSL honour those people who served their country in times of war?<br />
Answer from background information, notes from RSL talk or www.rsl.org.au.<br />
(3) What is its current role 60 years after World War II and 30 years after the end of<br />
Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War? Your answer can be based upon<br />
research from the RSL website at www.rsl.org.au or listening to a talk from an RSL<br />
representative.<br />
Students can obtain information either from an from RSL talk (if arranged by the<br />
<strong>teacher</strong>) or from the RSL website at www.rsl.org.au.<br />
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information taken from the RSL official website – www.rsl.org.au<br />
Teachers wishing to arrange a representative from the RSL to talk to their students will<br />
need to contact their Head Office on (08) 8232 0322. The RSL are happy to provide<br />
someone to speak to students on most days provided <strong>teacher</strong>s have made a booking.<br />
7
3 PATHWAY OF HONOUR<br />
Background Information<br />
Time to allow: 20 minutes.<br />
The Pathway of Honour was established with the support of the Adelaide City Council and<br />
named in consultation with South Australian Ex-Service Organisations in the 1990s.<br />
The Pathway of Honour runs between King William St and Kintore Ave behind Government<br />
House.<br />
Women who served in World War II Commemorates all those women who served in the<br />
Armed Forces in various roles, including nurses during World War II.<br />
10 th Battalion (1st AIF) Commemorates the 10 th Battalion (formerly Adelaide Rifles) which<br />
was raised in South Australia and was part of the first wave of 1500 Australian soldiers to<br />
land at Anzac Cove Gallipoli on the morning of the 25 April 1915.<br />
British Commonwealth Occupation Forces ( B.C.O.F) Commemorates service personnel<br />
responsible for enforcing the terms of the surrender with the Japanese after World War II.<br />
The Reserve Forces of South Australia Commemorates all those South Australian men and<br />
women who have served as reserves from the Boer War onwards.<br />
7 th Division Commemorates those who served in the Seventh Division in World War II.<br />
Medical Corps World War II Commemorates those who served in the Medical Services<br />
raised in South Australia during World War II, including Hospital and Field Ambulance<br />
Units.<br />
Malaya/Borneo Commemorates those who served in Malaya and Borneo post World War II.<br />
2/3 rd Australian Machine Gun Battalion Commemorates a unit which was formed in South<br />
Australia under the command of Lt Col. A.S. Blackburn V.C. and after serving in the<br />
successful campaign in Syria in mid 1941 surrendered to the Japanese in Java (Indonesia) in<br />
early 1942.<br />
27 Australian Infantry Battalion (AIF) The S.A. Scottish Regiment Commemorates those<br />
members of the S.A. Scottish community that served in this unit as part of the AIF (Australian<br />
Imperial Forces).<br />
Arctic Convoy Veterans Commemorates those who served in the convoys in World War II<br />
which supplied Russia, a wartime ally, in its fight against Germany on the Eastern Front.<br />
2/27 th Battalion (2nd AIF) Commemorates the 2/27 th Infantry Battalion which was raised in<br />
South Australia and served in the Middle East before joining the battle of the Kokoda Track.<br />
They also served in the "Battle of the Beachheads" which marked the end of the enemy<br />
presence in Papua in January 1943.<br />
Australian Special Air Service Regiment This memorial is dedicated to all members of the<br />
Australian Special Air Service Regiment past and present and to those who have been injured<br />
or killed in training and on operational service.<br />
Royal Australian Artillery Commemorates members of various Artillery regiments.<br />
Normandy Veterans Commemorates those who served at Normandy in France in 1944 in<br />
World War II when the allies established beachheads on the French coast.<br />
8
2/48 th Battalion (2nd AIF) Commemorates those South Australians who served in the 2/48 th<br />
Infantry Battalion which is the most highly decorated unit in the Australian Army.<br />
POW’s Sandakan Commemorates those POWS who were captured by the Japanese and held<br />
at Sandakan before being forced on the infamous Borneo Death marches.<br />
2/43 rd Battalion Commemorates those South Australians who served in the 2/43 rd Infantry<br />
Battalion and which served at Tobruk and many other theatres during World War II.<br />
Pioneer Battalions Commemorates Pioneer Battalions. Pioneers were responsible for a range<br />
of tasks including the destruction of obstacles and construction of bridges to assist in the<br />
movement of troops during the war.<br />
Student questions<br />
(1) WOMEN’S MEMORIAL<br />
(i) Fill in the missing words. This monument is dedicated to the women of South Australia<br />
who served in the defence forces of Australia during World War II. 1939 – 1945.<br />
(ii) What was the full name given to women's services in the Army, Navy, RAAF and as<br />
Army Nurses during World War II? Hint: Acronyms for the four services are provided<br />
below and answers can be found by a simple internet search.<br />
AWAS (Australian Women's Army Service)<br />
WRANS (Women's Royal Australian Naval Service)<br />
WAAAF (Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force)<br />
AANS (Australian Army Nursing Services)<br />
(2) 10 th BATTALION Fill in the missing words<br />
The 10 th Battalion was originally known as the Adelaide Rifles.<br />
(3) 2/27 th BATTALION<br />
What shape and colours is the 2/27 th colour patch which appears on the memorial?<br />
It is a Brown and Blue diamond.<br />
(4) SAS (Special Air Services)<br />
What is the "motto" of the SAS<br />
"Who Dares Wins"<br />
(5) 2/48 th BATTALION<br />
Name the Victoria Cross (VC) winners who served in the South Australian 2/48 th<br />
Battalion<br />
Stan Gurney<br />
Percy Gratwick<br />
Bill Kibby<br />
Tom Derrick<br />
9
(6) 2/43 rd BATTALION<br />
How many awards did members of the 2/43 rd Infantry Battalion receive in World War<br />
II? (Calculate by adding the column of awards and circle the correct answer).<br />
(a) 79<br />
(b) 89 (Correct answer)<br />
(c) 99<br />
(7) These monuments were all designed and erected since 1990. What does this tell<br />
you about the ongoing respect for those whom the monuments commemorate?<br />
Even 50 and 60 years after the event the contribution and sacrifice of SA soldiers is still<br />
foremost in the minds of SA community.<br />
Until the 1990’s WWI overshadowed all other conflicts. But during the 1990’s WWII and<br />
subsequent conflicts were brought to prominence.<br />
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information taken directly from commemorative plaques.<br />
10
4 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL WAR<br />
MEMORIAL<br />
Background Information<br />
Time to allow: 30 minutes.<br />
In 1919 the State Government decided that South Australia needed a memorial to<br />
commemorate the Victory of the Great War 1914-1918, and the States’ contribution to the<br />
war effort.<br />
The State Government conducted a competition for a suitable design. The winning entry<br />
featured a crypt inside the memorial with bronze honour rolls to line the walls. These contain<br />
the names of the 5511 South Australian men who fell during World War I.<br />
The memorial was officially unveiled by His Excellency the Governor Sir Alexander Hore-<br />
Ruthven in front of 75,000 people.<br />
There are a further four memorials at this site<br />
The French <strong>Memorial</strong> - World War I and World War II<br />
The Battle of Lone Pine - August 6 1915<br />
The Australian Armed Forces <strong>Memorial</strong> - Malayan Peninsula, Korean, Borneo and Vietnam<br />
War<br />
World War II <strong>Memorial</strong> - 1939 - 1945<br />
Enshrined in the wall are six Crosses of Memory. These commemorate:<br />
The Siege of Tobruk - April 10 - Dec 10 1941<br />
The 10th Battalion – Poziere (July and August 1916)<br />
The 27th Battalion - Poziere (August 4,5, & 6 1916)<br />
The 48th Battalion - Poziere (August 5 & 15 1916)<br />
The 50th Battalion - Villers-Bretonneux (April 24 - 25 1918)<br />
Royal Australian Regiment<br />
Student questions<br />
(1) Why do you think such an impressive memorial was erected?<br />
The State Government decided South Australia needed a memorial to commemorate<br />
the Victory of the Great War (World War I), the supreme and personal sacrifice of<br />
those who participated in that war and the national effort involved. South Australia<br />
was extremely proud of its contribution to the most significant conflict in Australia’s<br />
short history. The memorial specifically commemorated the significant number of<br />
South Australians who were killed or wounded during the conflict by including all<br />
their names on plaques inside the memorial.<br />
(2) On Anzac Day 1931 the South Australian National War <strong>Memorial</strong> was unveiled. Why<br />
did it take so long after the end of World War I to be unveiled?<br />
Arguments over the site, a competition for suitable design, a fire which destroyed the<br />
designs of the five finalists, the conduct of another competition which included<br />
11
suggesting a suitable site for the memorial and then the actual construction all delayed<br />
the unveiling of the memorial. They were even thinking of demolishing Parliament<br />
House at the time and having the memorial closer to parliament house.<br />
(3) The cost of the completed monument was £30,000. At a time when the country<br />
was in the grip of economic depression this was a significant amount of money.<br />
What does this willingness to donate to this project say about the South<br />
Australian public at the time?<br />
They were community spirited.<br />
They were proud of the achievements of South Australians during World War I.<br />
The South Australian community recognised the Australian involvement in World<br />
War I as being important to the development of the Australian Nationhood and the<br />
Australian identity<br />
The South Australian community were still feeling the massive loss of life and<br />
other impacts of the World War I.<br />
EXTERIOR<br />
(4) Describe the three figures shown on the eastern facing side. What do you think<br />
these figures represent?<br />
A student, farmer and girl symbolic of the youth of the South Australian community.<br />
They are looking up towards a vision representing the spirit of Duty, bearing in its<br />
hands a sword shaped as a cross. As with other aspects of the memorial this imagery<br />
shows the strong influence of (Christian) religion at the time.<br />
(5) Describe the figures on the western facing side. What do you think they represent?<br />
There is a winged spirit this time representing the Aftermath of War. The spirit holds a<br />
dead hero in the left arm and in the right a sword, which is in its scabbard. (i.e No<br />
longer being used).<br />
The intent of the sculptor was to symbolise the attributes of womanhood including<br />
maternal compassion, sacrifice of a son or lover and her power of resistance under<br />
strain. However students may place a range of equally appropriate interpretations on<br />
the images.<br />
(6) What do you think the flow of water in the ornamental pond represents?<br />
Being ceaseless it represents the constant flow of memories of the soldiers the<br />
memorial honours. Once again students may interpret this in other ways for example<br />
typifying the endless wars fought by men, the cleansing of the dead and the<br />
continuation of life after wars.<br />
(7) What link can you find that shows South Australia’s commitment to the British<br />
Empire? Hint: Note the presence of the Lion and the flag in the photo at right.<br />
12
The Bronze Lion, crowned with the Imperial Crown symbolises Australia’s<br />
membership of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Australia fought in both World<br />
Wars I and II as the Australian Imperial Forces as part of the British Empire.<br />
INTERIOR (walk inside the memorial)<br />
(8) South Australians saw action and suffered loss of life during World War I in the<br />
following locations. Fill in the missing names.<br />
Somme, Pozieres, Bullecourt, Ypres, Messines, Passchendaele, Amiens, Hindenburg<br />
Line, Mont St. Quentin, Landing at Anzac, Gallipoli, Rumani, Jordan-Amman, and<br />
Megiddo.<br />
(9) 5511 South Australians died in this conflict. What impact would this have had on<br />
the South Australian people at the time?<br />
Students answers should give thought to loss of a family member(s) during World<br />
War I.<br />
(10) What impact does this list of names in the crypt have on you?<br />
Student’s answers should convey an appreciation of the enormity of the loss of life<br />
and consequent suffering within the South Australian Community during and<br />
following World War I.<br />
(11) (i) Complete the quote from the Greek leader Pericles. Hint: Look above Honour<br />
Rolls.<br />
Their glory survives everlasting remembrance not graven in stone but enshrined for<br />
all time in the hearts of men.<br />
(ii) What do you think he meant by these words?<br />
They are not merely names on a monument but were someone’s loved one whose<br />
courage and sacrifice will be remembered for all time.<br />
<strong>Walk</strong> To The Rear Of The <strong>Memorial</strong> And Find The Wooden Crosses From World War<br />
I<br />
(12) Find the crosses from World War I (1914-18). Which South Australian battalions<br />
are commemorated and where did each of the crosses come from?<br />
10 th Battalion – Pozieres<br />
27 th Battalion – Pozieres<br />
48 th Battalion – Pozieres<br />
50 th Battalion –Villers-Bretonneux<br />
(13) What do the other two crosses commemorate?<br />
The Seige of Tobruk – 1941 (Erected by the Rats of Tobruk Association)<br />
The Royal Australian Regiments who served in Korea, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam.<br />
13
(14) Locate three names on the World War II <strong>Memorial</strong> (1939-1945). Find out<br />
information about the towns, in which they were born, enlisted and when they<br />
were killed on the World War II Nominal Roll at www.ww2roll.gov.au .<br />
Students to write down full details of names from Roll of Honour and then obtain required<br />
information from the World War II Nominal Roll website.<br />
(15) Fill in the details of South Australian Servicemen honoured on the three Jubilee<br />
150 valour plaques on North Tce. Hint: Immediately in front of SA National War<br />
<strong>Memorial</strong> set in the footpath on Nth Tce<br />
For valour 1914-1918 For valour 1939-1945 For valour 1965-1972<br />
World War I World War II Vietnam War<br />
A S Blackburn VC,<br />
CMG<br />
P Davey VC, MM<br />
R R Inwood VC<br />
J C Jensen VC<br />
J Leak VC<br />
L C Weathers VC<br />
A Sullivan VC<br />
T C Derrick VC, DCM<br />
G Grosse GC<br />
W H Kibby VC<br />
L C Matthews GC,<br />
MC<br />
(16) Alexandrine Seager founded the Cheer-Up Society in November 1914. Initially<br />
women from the society visited army camps and hospitals and undertook a range<br />
of other philanthropic and fundraising activities providing support for AIF<br />
recruits and wounded returning from Gallipoli. From 1915 the society offered<br />
refreshment and recreation to soldiers in a large tent located behind the Adelaide<br />
Railway station. This was replaced by a Cheer-Up hut which was opened on the 14<br />
November 1915. After 1920 the hut was closed but the Cheer-Up Society was<br />
revived in 1939 with advent of World War II although Alexandrine Seager who<br />
was an invalid played no part in its activities. The Cheer-Up Society was finally<br />
disbanded in 1964.<br />
Complete the plaque below by finding her plaque on North Terrace.<br />
P J Badcoe VC<br />
Hint: All Nth Tce plaques are in alphabetical order, except for the three valour plaques<br />
mentioned in previous question. Alexandrine Seager’s plaque is located in front of the<br />
Adelaide University near the western entrance to Elder Hall.<br />
14
Alexandrina<br />
Seager<br />
1872-1950<br />
Founder,<br />
Cheer-Up Society for<br />
Armed Services<br />
Sponsor: Fricker<br />
Carrington group<br />
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information taken from the RSL brochure on the South Australian National<br />
War <strong>Memorial</strong>. This brochure is available from RSL headquarters ph. 08 08 8232 0322.<br />
From ‘S.A's Greats - The Men and Women of the North Terrace plaques’ edited by John<br />
Healey. A copy of the relevant pages, Alexandrine Seager or the valour winners is<br />
available from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.<br />
15
5 BOER WAR MEMORIAL<br />
Background Information<br />
Time to allow: 20 to 25 minutes.<br />
The Boer War <strong>Memorial</strong> is also known as the South African War <strong>Memorial</strong>.<br />
The memorial commemorates one of the earliest times South Australians served overseas. As<br />
part of the British Empire the Australian colonies offered troops for service in the war in<br />
South Africa. Nine contingents totalling 1531 men (82 officers and 1449 other ranks) and<br />
1507 horses left from South Australia between 1899 and 1902.<br />
The memorial contains the names of the men killed during the conflict and it was unveiled<br />
before thousands of people.<br />
It was built using funds raised by public subscription at a cost of £2594 2s 11d.<br />
Student questions<br />
(1) (i) Describe the South Australian Boer War <strong>Memorial</strong> by completing the following<br />
sentence.<br />
The focal point is the bronze sculpture of a mounted infantryman. It is mounted on a pedestal<br />
made of red Murray Bridge granite. There are bronze shields and ribbon scrolls fitted to the<br />
side of the pedestal. (Hint: What are the shields made of?)<br />
(ii) Who was the sculptor and what was the exact cost? (Circle the correct<br />
answer.)<br />
(a) £1254 7s 19d<br />
(b) £4321 4s 23d<br />
(c) £2594 2s 11d (correct answer)<br />
The sculptor was Captain Adrian Jones. (Hint: The name of the sculptor is carved in the rock<br />
on which the horse stands).<br />
(2) When was the memorial unveiled?<br />
June 6 1904<br />
(3) How many names appear on it? Hint: Follow the base (please take care of traffic<br />
when counting)<br />
60 names<br />
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(4) South Australia’s most famous horseman and horse breaker George Henry<br />
Goodall posed for half a day as the sculptor made a clay model of his head. He was<br />
also consulted extensively about the accoutrements worn by South Australian<br />
soldiers during the South African war and the attitude likely to be adopted by a<br />
trooper when surprised by the enemy.<br />
Hint: Answer can be found at http://www.answers.com/topic/south-african-war-memorialsouth-australia<br />
(5) What was the nickname of the well known character executed by the British on 27<br />
February 1902 in South Africa, who was the subject of a movie and several recent<br />
books and is missing from the names of those killed in the Boer War?<br />
Harry “Breaker” Morant<br />
Web reference http://www.awm.gov.au/wartime/18/article.htm<br />
(6) What does this statue tell you about South Australia’s contribution to the Boer<br />
War?<br />
The war was fought on horseback<br />
South Australians were proud of the South Australian involvement<br />
The South Australian government wanted our involvement in the Boer war to be<br />
remembered.<br />
Australia’s devotion to the British Empire<br />
Australia’s desire to support Britain who would in turn provide security for the new<br />
nation from future threats from our northern (Asian) neighbours.<br />
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information taken from the RSL brochure on the South African/Boer War<br />
<strong>Memorial</strong>. This brochure is available from RSL headquarters (ph. 08 8232 0322).<br />
Viewing of the Breaker Morant video/dvd provides an opportunity to examine in more<br />
detail the basis on which Breaker Morant was convicted for executing Boer prisoners and<br />
the interpretation of the film makers in terms of Breaker Morant’s perceived innocence or<br />
guilt.<br />
17
8 AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE<br />
and WAR HORSE MEMORIALS<br />
Background Information<br />
Time to allow: 10 minutes<br />
This site contains three memorials, the Australian Light Horse <strong>Memorial</strong>, the War Horse<br />
<strong>Memorial</strong> and the Royal Australian Armoured Corps <strong>Memorial</strong>.<br />
The Light Horse <strong>Memorial</strong> is dedicated to the honour and glory of those Light Horsemen<br />
who died in battle during the First World War. The Australian Light Horse were involved in<br />
many famous battles during the First World War including the heroic bayonet charge at the<br />
‘Nek’, Gallipoli (17 August 1915) and the famous cavalry charge at Beersheba, Palestine (31<br />
October 1917) which was the last time horses were used as cavalry by Australian forces.<br />
The War Horse <strong>Memorial</strong> commemorates the services of Australian horses that took part in<br />
the Great War. At the end of World War I the horses used by the Australian Light Horse<br />
could not return home. Due to quarantine regulations it was impossible to take tens of<br />
thousands of army horses back to Australia. Many horsemen preferred to shoot their mounts<br />
rather than risk the chance of them being ill treated.<br />
The Royal Australian Armoured Corps <strong>Memorial</strong> is dedicated to the service of those<br />
members of the RAAC, who were the successors to the Light Horse regiments and served in<br />
World War II 1939-45. Horses were replaced in the Armoured Corps during the Second<br />
World War by motorised machine gunners, armoured cars and light and medium tank<br />
regiments.<br />
Student questions<br />
WAR HORSE MEMORIAL<br />
(1) Comment on the shape of the memorial. Hint: What is it?<br />
It is in the shape of a water trough for horses which is the purpose for which it was<br />
originally used when it was located in Victoria Square. The State Government<br />
provided free water at the time to enable horses to drink from the trough.<br />
(2) What does this monument suggest to you about the contribution of horses in<br />
World War I?<br />
The monument pays tribute to all horses used during World War I. Horses played<br />
many roles during World War I and were an important part of the war effort. Their<br />
roles included use as cavalry in the Charge at Beersheba, transporting troops and<br />
carting of loads, pulling large guns and horse ambulances during World War I.<br />
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(3) What was the fate of the horses at the end of the First World War?<br />
Due to quarantine regulations horses could not return to Australia although there were<br />
two notable exceptions. In the case of the Australian Light Horse they chose to put<br />
their animals down rather than have them treated poorly following the departure of the<br />
soldiers from the Middle East.<br />
(4) Why are horses no longer used in modern warfare?<br />
Changes in technology have meant that mechanised transport has replaced horses in<br />
modern armies. Whilst the Australian Army no longer uses horses they still have a<br />
ceremonial role within some foreign armed forces.<br />
(5) How were funds raised to build this memorial? Hint: See sign at the back of the<br />
memorial.<br />
By public subscription.<br />
(6) What does this tell you about the importance and level of respect for the horses<br />
used during World War I by the South Australian community?<br />
Horses were seen as an important part of the war effort and were held in high regard by<br />
South Australians at the time of the First World War.<br />
AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE MEMORIAL<br />
(7) During World War I Australian Light Horse forces served in which of the<br />
following countries in the Middle East? (Circle the correct answer).<br />
(a) Gallipoli, Eygpt, Palestine (correct answer)<br />
(b) Jordan, Israel, Algeria<br />
(c) Afghanistan, Libya, Morocco<br />
(8) On what day was the Australian Light Horse <strong>Memorial</strong> unveiled?<br />
April 25 1925<br />
(9) How were conditions different in the Middle East from those in France and<br />
Belgium in the First World War? Hint: Information can be found at<br />
www.awm.gov.au/atwar/ww1.<br />
Unlike their counterparts in France and Belgium, the Australians in the Middle East<br />
fought a mobile war against the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) in conditions completely<br />
different from the mud and stagnation of the Western Front. The light horsemen and<br />
their mounts had to survive extreme heat, harsh terrain and water shortages.<br />
Nevertheless, casualties were comparatively light, with 1,394 Australians killed or<br />
wounded in three years of war.<br />
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(10) Provide a brief overview of the campaign the Australian soldiers were fighting in<br />
the Middle East from 1916 to the surrender of the Turks in 1918? Hint: Information<br />
can be found at www.awm.gov.au/atwar/ww1.<br />
This campaign began in 1916 with Australian troops participating in the defence of the<br />
Suez Canal and the allied reconquest of the Sinai Peninsular. In the following year<br />
Australian and other allied troops advanced into Palestine and captured Gaza and<br />
Jerusalem; by 1918 they had occupied Lebanon and Syria. On the 30 October 1918,<br />
Turkey sued for peace.<br />
The objective of the campaign was to protect the Suez Canal from capture by German<br />
and Turkish forces. After this achieved the principle aim was to drive Turkish forces<br />
out of the areas of Syria and Lebanon which were held by them, thereby protecting<br />
access to the Middle East oil fields, which were of growing strategic significance.<br />
(11) What do you think might be the significance of the light atop the memorial?<br />
The light was originally intended to be lit from sunset to sunrise during the period<br />
between the “going down of the sun and the morning” in dedication to those who<br />
served in the Australian Light Horse during World War I.<br />
(12) Albert Whitmore was the last South Australian World War I veteran and the last<br />
Australian Light Horsemen. He was born in 1899 and died on the 31 October 2002.<br />
Hint: Refer to plaque on the steps of the memorial.<br />
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARMOURED CORPS MEMORIAL<br />
Read the plaque on the side of the <strong>Memorial</strong><br />
(13) The Royal Australian Armoured Corps was the successor to the Australian Light<br />
Horse. What sort of vehicles do you think this military unit may have used during<br />
World War II to replace the use of horses? (Hint: refer background information)<br />
Motorised machine gunners, armoured cars and light and medium tank regiments were<br />
formed in World War II replacing the original Light Horse Units.<br />
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information taken from the RSL brochure on the Light Horse and War Horse<br />
<strong>Memorial</strong>s. This brochure is available from RSL headquarters (ph. 08 8232 0322).<br />
Some brief information about the activities of the Australian Light Horse during World<br />
War I can be found at www.awm.gov.au/atwar/ww1.<br />
20
Background Information<br />
Time to allow: 30 to 60 minutes.<br />
9 BLACKBURN HOUSE<br />
Arthur Blackburn was born on 25 November 1892 at Woodville. He was educated at Pulteney<br />
Grammar, the Collegiate school of St Peter (St Peter’s College) and Adelaide University. He<br />
graduated as a lawyer in 1913.<br />
On 19 August 1914 he enlisted in the AIF. He landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and with<br />
Private Phil Robin penetrated the furthest point inland of any Australian soldier, around 1800<br />
metres inland from Anzac Cove.<br />
On 26 February 1916 he was promoted to lieutenant and later embarked to France. At<br />
Pozieres in France on 23 July 1916 he personally led four bombing parties on an enemy<br />
strong point which they destroyed and as a result captured about 350 metres of trench. For his<br />
bravery at Pozieres he received the Victoria Cross which was invested by King George at<br />
Buckingham Palace on 4 October 1916.<br />
During the Second World War he commanded the 2/3 rd Machine Gun Company during the<br />
Syrian campaign. He accepted the surrender of the Vichy French forces at Damascus on 21<br />
June 1941.<br />
In February 1942 his unit landed at Java in Indonesia. After three weeks of resistance, allied<br />
forces were forced to surrender and Captain Blackburn was taken prisoner by the Japanese.<br />
He was imprisoned in Singapore, Japan, Korea and Manchuria, where he was liberated in<br />
September 1945.<br />
Between the wars and after World War II Arthur Blackburn held many senior legal, political<br />
and RSL positions. He also received a number of honours including the CMG (Companion of<br />
the Order of St Michael and St George) in 1955.<br />
He died at Crafers on 24 November 1960. He was buried with full military honours in West<br />
Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide.<br />
Blackburn House is named in his honour.<br />
Student questions<br />
(1) Where in Adelaide did Blackburn receive his education? What was his profession<br />
before joining the AIF (Australian Imperial Force) in 1914?<br />
He was educated at Pulteney Grammar, the Collegiate school of St Peter (St Peter’s College)<br />
and Adelaide University. He was a lawyer.<br />
21
(2) Please read the information under Blackburn’s photo in the foyer of Blackburn<br />
House and complete the following.<br />
Brigadier Arthur Seaforth Blackburn VC CMG CBE<br />
Born at Woodville, South Australia<br />
25th November 1892 - 24th November 1960<br />
WWI 19 · 8 · 1914 - 10 · 4 · 1917 10th Battalion AIF<br />
WWII 18 · 6 · 1940 - 18 · 7 · 1946 2/3 Australian Machine Gun Battalion AIF<br />
Victoria Cross ‘for most conspicuous bravery’<br />
at Pozieres France 1916<br />
(3) List four types of programs from the Mission Statement and four functions of the<br />
Department of Veterans’ Affairs.<br />
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Mission Statement is<br />
“DVA exists to serve members of Australia’s veteran and defence force communities, their<br />
war widow(er)s, widow(er)s, and dependents through programs of care, compensation,<br />
commemoration and defence support services”.<br />
Functions of the Department include;<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
Payment of Service, Disability and War Widows/Widowers Pensions<br />
Income Support Supplement, Lump sum payments and wages top up and other allowances<br />
SERVICES<br />
Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Service<br />
Repatriation Health Cards and other Medical Entitlements<br />
Defence Forces Homes and Insurance<br />
HomeFront and Home Maintenance Helpline<br />
Veterans’ Home Care<br />
Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service<br />
Veterans’ Children Education Scheme<br />
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information regarding all Australian Victoria Cross winners including Arthur<br />
Seaforth Blackburn can be found in ‘They Dared Mightily’ by Lionel Wigmore in<br />
collaboration with Bruce Harding. Second edition revised and condensed by Jeff William<br />
and Anthony Staunton.<br />
22
Information regarding all South Australian Victoria Cross and George Cross winners can<br />
be found in‘S.A's Greats - The Men and Women of the North Terrace plaques’ edited by<br />
John Healey.<br />
Copies of the above two documents can be obtained from the Department of Veterans’<br />
Affairs.<br />
23
10 ADELAIDE GENERAL POST OFFICE<br />
Background Information<br />
Time to allow: 20 minutes.<br />
The Bombing of Darwin<br />
On the 19 February 1942 two attacks by enemy aircraft were made on Darwin. These raids<br />
occurred at 9.58am on Darwin Harbour/Town and at 11.58am on Darwin Aerodrome. Official<br />
figures record that 243 people were killed and 350 people were wounded in the raids.<br />
This was the first attack ever by a foreign country on Australian soil and whilst many details<br />
were kept secret at the time we now know that more bombs were dropped on Darwin on that<br />
day than the attack on Pearl Harbour on the 7 December 1941.<br />
Damage caused in the first raids on Darwin was extensive. The Post and Telegraph offices,<br />
Police Station, Barracks, Cable Office, and Government offices were destroyed and the<br />
civilian hospital damaged in the first raid. The RAAF hospital, recreation hall, equipment<br />
store, many houses and living quarters were destroyed in the second raid.<br />
About the Post Office<br />
Prior to the bombing raid of 19 February 1942 most civilians had been evacuated and this<br />
option was offered to the Post Office staff but they chose to stay. They were aware of the Fall<br />
of Singapore and the seemingly unstoppable enemy advance toward Australia. Peter Bald the<br />
Postmaster and his family lived near the Post Office and had built an air raid shelter in their<br />
back garden for use by the family and the Post Office staff. Soon after the first raid on Darwin<br />
began the female telephonists and several male members of the staff sought shelter there. A<br />
bomb scored a direct hit on the shelter killing the postmaster and his family, together with<br />
several members of his male staff and the whole of the female staff. In all, ten postal and<br />
communications workers were killed. The memorial in the Adelaide Post Office (GPO)<br />
commemorates their heroic choice to stay at their posts in the face of imminent danger. They<br />
died because they decided to put their duty before their personal safety.<br />
Student questions<br />
(1) By looking at the names on the marble plaques at the GPO how many females<br />
were killed when the enemy bombed the Darwin Post Office on 19 February 1942?<br />
6 females<br />
(2) Postal staff were given the option of leaving Darwin as the threat of an enemy<br />
attack grew more likely. Most women and children had already been evacuated<br />
from the city. What do you think you would have done if you were a postal worker<br />
in Darwin in 1942 and why?<br />
Students own response. By the Post Office staying open they were able to alert<br />
authorities of the bombing raid as it occurred via use of morse code. Otherwise the<br />
details of the attack may have taken some time to be communicated to Government<br />
24
authorities. The Post Office also played an important role as a service to the military<br />
and civilian authorities by staying open.<br />
(3) Fill in the names missing from the memorial.<br />
Hurtle C Bald<br />
Alice L Bald<br />
Iris E Bald<br />
Jean C Mullen<br />
Eileen C Mullen<br />
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information from ‘Darwin and the Northern Territory – 1942- 1945’ a<br />
Department of Veterans’ Affairs publication. A copy of the relevant information is<br />
available from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.<br />
25
11 ADELAIDE TOWN HALL<br />
Background Information<br />
Time to Allow: 10 minutes.<br />
Roy Inwood was born at North Adelaide, South Australia on the 15 July 1890. Educated at<br />
North Adelaide Public School and Broken Hill Model School, he worked as a miner prior to<br />
enlisting in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) on 24 August 1914. Roy Inwood's two<br />
brothers also served in the AIF, with Robert being killed at Pozieres on the 24 July 1916 and<br />
Harold being wounded in France before returning to Australia in 1917. Roy served with the<br />
South Australian 10 th Battalion at Gallipoli before moving to France with the battalion in<br />
1916.<br />
It was on the morning of 20 September 1917, when the 10 th attacked Polygon Wood, that Roy<br />
Inwood won his Victoria Cross. Roy went out alone to gain control of an enemy strongpoint<br />
which he captured. This enabled the battalion to achieve its objective. The following night,<br />
expecting a counter attack, Inwood volunteered to go out 600 metres in front of the line to<br />
report on enemy movements. The attack did not eventuate. The next morning Inwood located<br />
a machine gun that was causing casualties. He crept up behind it, took it out of action and at<br />
the same time captured a prisoner whom he forced to carry his machine gun back to<br />
Australian lines. He returned to Australia on 24 August 1918.<br />
Roy Inwood worked for the Adelaide City Council from 1928 until his retirement in 1955. He<br />
left his Victoria Cross to the 10 th Battalion Ex-Serviceman's Association, who presented it to<br />
the Corporation of the City Of Adelaide on the 19 September 1972. It is displayed in the<br />
council chamber.<br />
Student questions<br />
(1) Where and how did former Adelaide City Council Worker Roy Inwood win his<br />
Victoria Cross (VC) during World War I?<br />
He won his VC at Polygon Wood in France when he went out alone and captured an<br />
enemy strongpoint. The following night he volunteered to go out 600 meters in front<br />
of the Australian line to observe enemy movements. The following night he located<br />
and captured a machine gun forcing the prisoner to carry it back to the Australian<br />
lines.<br />
(2) Australians have won 97 Victoria Crosses. Find out more about the history of the<br />
Victoria Cross including the metal from which the crosses are made and make<br />
some notes below.<br />
Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856 the Victoria Cross is highly prized and has<br />
evolved into the supreme decoration for gallantry in battle awarded to members of<br />
Commonwealth forces for the last 130 years.<br />
The cross itself is cast from gun metal taken from two Russian bronze muzzle-loading<br />
cannons allegedly captured by the British during the Crimean War (1853 to 1856).<br />
26
Web site for information on the Victoria Cross is<br />
http://www.anzacday.org.au/education/medals/vc/default.html<br />
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information regarding all Australian Victoria Cross winners including Roy<br />
Inwood can be found in ‘They Dared Mightily’ by Lionel Wigmore in collaboration with<br />
Bruce Harding. Second edition revised and condensed by Jeff William and Anthony<br />
Staunton. A copy of the above publication can be obtained from the Department of<br />
Veterans’ Affairs.<br />
This is the only Victoria Cross on public display in South Australia. Please ring the<br />
Adelaide City Council, ph. 08 8203 7203, to arrange for a staff member to take students<br />
into the chamber. Monday is the day the Council generally set aside for public visits.<br />
27
HONOUR BOARDS and ROLLS<br />
Background Information<br />
Over 1.2 million Australians have served in conflicts and over 102,000 have been killed in<br />
service of their country since the outbreak of the Boer War in 1899. Many of the names of<br />
these servicemen and women appear on local honour boards located within the communities<br />
from which they came.<br />
It is estimated that in South Australia there are more than 5000 honour boards, which are<br />
located in such places as RSL halls, lodges, churches, hospitals, council buildings, post<br />
offices, railway stations and schools throughout the state. Indeed in one small country town,<br />
Burra, in the Mid North there are ten honour boards alone in different locations, and in<br />
Moonta on the Yorke Peninsula eight honour boards have been located.<br />
Honour boards generally contain the names of all those who served in a particular conflict and<br />
crosses or other notations such as K.I.A (Killed in Action) to indicate those who died in the<br />
service of their country. Honour boards often also include mention of awards for valour won<br />
by those whose names appear on it. Each honour board is different and all are an important<br />
piece of the history of the community or organisation whose members appear on it.<br />
Student questions<br />
(1) At what sites on the walk were honour boards/rolls located? (Answer will depend<br />
on what sites have been visited)<br />
Church (Scot’s Uniting Church)<br />
Adelaide University (Mitchell<br />
Building)<br />
Adelaide Post Office ( GPO)<br />
(2) Scot’s Uniting Church (Map reference 7, entrance adjacent to Pultney St)<br />
(i) Copy the heading from the World War I<br />
honour boards/roll.<br />
Those connected with this congregation who served<br />
in the Great War.<br />
(ii) Find and name multiple members from the same<br />
family from Scot’s who served or lost their lives in World<br />
War II. Hint: Those who lost their lives are listed under the<br />
symbol of a cross.<br />
Anderson (2 served) Bairnsfather (3 served, 1 died)<br />
Campbell (2 served, 1 died) Hugo (2 served)<br />
McEwin (6 served) Milne (2 served)<br />
Raggatt (2 served) Stewart (2 served)<br />
Sutherland (2 served) Wood (3 served)<br />
Young (3 served, 1 died)<br />
(i)<br />
(iii)<br />
†<br />
BC Balfour<br />
PM Barnfield<br />
R Cabot<br />
28
(iii) What is significant about this section located at the bottom of the Scot’s Uniting<br />
Church World War II honour board/roll? Copy down the first three names that appear<br />
in this section.<br />
One of the few honour boards that commemorates women.<br />
(2) Adelaide University - Mitchell Building (map reference 6 - enter via gate adjacent to<br />
Art Gallery, enter via main entrance of building and up the stairs to first level)<br />
(i) Copy the inscription at the top of the honour board/roll.<br />
1914 – 1918 These are our men who served abroad 1914 – 1918<br />
(ii) Are there any females listed? Hint: Look at far left section of the roll.<br />
Yes<br />
(iii) Who? Write in their names below.<br />
Phoebe Chapple and Laura Hope<br />
(i)<br />
(ii), (iii)<br />
(3) Post Office Honour Board/Roll (Map reference 10 - enter via 2nd door on Nth Tce,<br />
proceed down corridor to the right and it is on the wall on the right hand side)<br />
(i) Copy patriotic heading from the honour board/roll.<br />
Australia Post Telegraph and Telephone Department<br />
Who have joined the Australian Expeditionary Forces 1914 – 1918<br />
(Roll of Honour)<br />
For King and Country<br />
(ii) Who erected the honour board/roll?<br />
Fellow Officers of the Department<br />
27-11-15<br />
29
(iii) Locate the names highlighted and<br />
complete the entry by including the<br />
information that follows their name.<br />
A.H. Storer<br />
MM (Military Medal)<br />
J.C. Earls<br />
Died of wounds<br />
W.O. Wegener<br />
Killed in action<br />
(i)<br />
A.H. Storer<br />
J.C.Earls<br />
(ii)<br />
W.O. Wegener<br />
Additional Information/Notes<br />
Background information sourced from Will Clough from Riverton. Further information<br />
available on the Tributes of Honour website at www.tributesofhonour.info.<br />
30