Memorial Walk. Secondary Teacher Resource

Transcription

1 Memorial Walk Secondary Teacher Resource

2 Front Cover 1. Burnside District Fallen Soldiers Memorial Corner of Prescott Terrace and Alexandra Ave, Rose Park 2. Unley Soldiers Memorial Gardens Unley Road, Unley. Adjacent Unley Shopping Centre 3. Anzac Memorial Lundie Gardens, South Terrace Adelaide. Western end, close to Goodwood Rd. 4. Unley Soldiers Memorial Gardens Unley Road, Unley. Adjacent Unley Shopping Centre 5. Pathway of Honour Northern Side of Government House between King William Rd and Kintore Ave (No. 3 on enclosed map) 6. Unley Soldier Memorial Gardens Unley Road, Unley. Adjacent Unley Shopping Centre 7. South Australian National War Memorial Corner of North Tce and King William Rd (No. 4 on enclosed map) 8. Memorial Gardens Brooker Terrace, Hilton 9. Boer War Memorial Corner of King William Rd and North Tce (No. 5 on enclosed map) 10. Australian Light Horse And War Horse Memorials Corner of North Tce and East Tce (No. 8 on enclosed map) 11. Australian Light Horse And War Horse Memorials Corner of North Tce and East Tce (No. 8 on enclosed map) 12. Torrens Parade Ground King William Rd (No. 2 on enclosed map) 13. West Terrace Cemetery Corner of Anzac Highway and West Tce (entrance off West Tce) 1

3 1 WOMEN S WAR MEMORIAL Background Information Time to allow: 15 to 20 minutes. The Women s War Memorial was the idea of Miss Ethel Wyatt who was a member of the Women s War Memorial Committee. The committee began accepting donations from the women of South Australia in The memorial is dedicated to all those who paid the supreme sacrifice in time of war. It includes the Cross of Sacrifice (unveiled April ) and the Stone of Remembrance (unveiled April ) positioned at opposite ends of the Memory Garden. Behind the stone is the crescent shaped Seat of Remembrance. Placed in the base of the Cross of Sacrifice is an urn containing names of British, French and Allied troops who served during the Great war. Women also placed small violet bags into the base of the cross, which contained names of loved ones who died in the war. There are also coins and documents of the period embedded in the base of the Stone of Remembrance. Student questions (1) The Women s War Memorial includes what three key elements? Answer by completing the diagram below. The Cross of Sacrifice The Memory Garden The Stone of Remembrance / Seat of Remembrance (2) When was the Cross of Sacrifice unveiled? April (3) When was the Stone of Remembrance unveiled? April

4 (4) The serene, elegant surroundings of the Pennington Gardens memorial remind us of the silent suffering of the Women of Australia in times of war. (Quote from he RSL Brochure on the gardens.) Outline what roles women played during World War I that would have assisted in keeping up morale at home and supporting the war effort overseas. Some roles included Kept families together even when loved ones were killed Worked to raise money for Comfort Funds Kept vital industries going during World War I Worked as nurses both in Australia and overseas Wrote letters to soldiers overseas Worked with the Red Cross who assisted to find out information about missing soldiers. They also worked in Cheer Up huts keeping up the morale of soldiers. (5) Why is the Women s Memorial Gardens placed on such an unusual angle in Pennington Gardens? Hint: Sit on the Seat of Remembrance and look towards the Cross of Sacrifice. The Cross of Sacrifice is positioned in the centre of the two spires of St Peters cathedral. The fact that the cross is lined up with the cross on the cathedral has religious significance. It demonstrates the importance of religion to South Australian society at that time. Additional Information/Notes Background information taken from the RSL brochure on the Women s War Memorial. This brochure is available from RSL headquarters (ph ). The Cheer Up Society Honour Roll and piano (signed by 1000s of servicemen and their families) is on display at the Keswick Army Museum. Women from the Cheer-Up society kept up morale of the soldiers by Cooking them meals Meeting them at the Adelaide Railway Station when they departed and returned from overseas. Visiting the wounded soldiers in hospital. Taking soldiers out on trips to various places including Waterfall Gully and Morialta Falls. 3

5 2 TORRENS PARADE GROUND Background Information Time to allow: 5 minutes. The area on which the Torrens Parade Ground is situated was originally used for a range of purposes including a quarry for the stone to build many early buildings in Adelaide such as Government House and the wall that surrounds it. The quarry was rich in fossils and shells and of great interest to geologists of the time. The site was subsequently used as a paddock for depasturing police horses and a dump for various road works debris. Known as the police paddock, it was described as generally unsightly in a report in the Adelaide Register in August of It was during the 1890s, when most of the beautification of North Terrace and the planting of avenues of elms and other trees including palms took place, that the idea of a parade ground was conceived. As part of this program of work the establishment of the Torrens Parade Ground was undertaken. The parade ground with its framework of green lawns and handsome trees was considered as a great improvement to the area. The Parade Ground was completed in mid 1893 at a cost of 1,624. It was formally opened on the 20 June During the Boer War and World Wars I and II South Australian raised contingents, units and battalions assembled at Torrens Parade Ground prior to departing for overseas service. Over the years the Parade Ground has been used for a range of other military and civilian purposes. As the result of an arrangement with the State Government the Drill Hall located on the Parade Ground will shortly be leased to three Ex Service organisations. They are the South Australian branch of the RSL (Returned and Services League; the VVA (Vietnam Veterans Association); and RAAFA (Royal Australian Air Force Association). Student questions (1) What was the site of the Torrens Parade Ground originally used as? Hint: the original use is suggested by the split level of the parade grounds and the area to the south adjoining Government House. It had been used as a quarry for stone for Government House and other buildings in Adelaide. (2) What was the significance of the Torrens Parade Ground during the Boer War, World Wars I and II? It was the location from which all South Australian troops left for overseas during the Boer War, World Wars I and II. 4

6 Additional Information/Notes Background information taken from an article Establishment of Torrens Parade Ground photocopy available from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 5

7 2 THE RSL ( Torrens Drill Hall RSL State Headquarters) Background Information Time to allow: 30 minutes. How the League Evolved The mateship of the Australian bush, the city larrikins, and the solidarity of trade unionism spilled over into the first Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and hence into the Returned Soldiers' movement initially known as the Returned Soldiers Association (RSA). The predecessor of the RSL was formed whilst The Great War, also known as World War I, was still in progress. It evolved as a direct result of the camaraderie, concern and mateship shown by the "Diggers" for the welfare of their mates during and following the First World War. The following quote from the RSL website suggests reasons for the longevity of its attraction to its members; "A simple code of mateship and nationalism explains the appeal of the Returned & Services League of Australia. The unswerving loyalty to mates and assertive Australian nationalism (is what gives) the League its strength. The (original) membership was largely self-educated: the men of World War I who remained in control of the League until well after World War II and had few formal educational opportunities, and the men and women who served from 1939 to 1945 received their education in uniform." "The leadership of the League has rarely been drawn from the military or social elite. The egalitarian nature of the League reflects more than the soldiers' suspicion of 'brass hats' and the wider Australian desire to cut down 'tall poppies'. South Australian involvement The RSA (Returned Soldiers Association) was formed in Adelaide on the 8 December South Australia was represented in the first RSSILA (The Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia) Congress, the predecessor of the RSL (Returned and Services League) which met in September Captain Arthur Blackburn VC, a South Australian member, was instrumental in drafting the first RSSILA Constitution. Other inaugural delegates included representatives from Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria. NSW was admitted in March 1917 and WA in March 1918, with all states joining before the end of World War I on the 11 November The Role and Objectives of the RSL The role of the RSL is to serve the interests of its members, veterans, the ex-service community and members of the Australian Defence Force. The RSL works in a number of areas including welfare, advocacy, commemoration and remembrance, provision of camaraderie and mateship to members and political lobbying. Its objectives include the "Promotion of loyalty and pride which the League has for the Nation, its people, the Crown and the Flag". 6

8 Student questions (1) What do the letters RSSILA and RSL represent? The Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia and the Returned and Services League. (2) How does the RSL honour those people who served their country in times of war? Answer from background information, notes from RSL talk or (3) What is its current role 60 years after World War II and 30 years after the end of Australia s involvement in the Vietnam War? Your answer can be based upon research from the RSL website at or listening to a talk from an RSL representative. Students can obtain information either from an from RSL talk (if arranged by the teacher) or from the RSL website at Additional Information/Notes Background information taken from the RSL official website Teachers wishing to arrange a representative from the RSL to talk to their students will need to contact their Head Office on (08) The RSL are happy to provide someone to speak to students on most days provided teachers have made a booking. 7

9 3 PATHWAY OF HONOUR Background Information Time to allow: 20 minutes. The Pathway of Honour was established with the support of the Adelaide City Council and named in consultation with South Australian Ex-Service Organisations in the 1990s. The Pathway of Honour runs between King William St and Kintore Ave behind Government House. Women who served in World War II Commemorates all those women who served in the Armed Forces in various roles, including nurses during World War II. 10 th Battalion (1st AIF) Commemorates the 10 th Battalion (formerly Adelaide Rifles) which was raised in South Australia and was part of the first wave of 1500 Australian soldiers to land at Anzac Cove Gallipoli on the morning of the 25 April British Commonwealth Occupation Forces ( B.C.O.F) Commemorates service personnel responsible for enforcing the terms of the surrender with the Japanese after World War II. The Reserve Forces of South Australia Commemorates all those South Australian men and women who have served as reserves from the Boer War onwards. 7 th Division Commemorates those who served in the Seventh Division in World War II. Medical Corps World War II Commemorates those who served in the Medical Services raised in South Australia during World War II, including Hospital and Field Ambulance Units. Malaya/Borneo Commemorates those who served in Malaya and Borneo post World War II. 2/3 rd Australian Machine Gun Battalion Commemorates a unit which was formed in South Australia under the command of Lt Col. A.S. Blackburn V.C. and after serving in the successful campaign in Syria in mid 1941 surrendered to the Japanese in Java (Indonesia) in early Australian Infantry Battalion (AIF) The S.A. Scottish Regiment Commemorates those members of the S.A. Scottish community that served in this unit as part of the AIF (Australian Imperial Forces). Arctic Convoy Veterans Commemorates those who served in the convoys in World War II which supplied Russia, a wartime ally, in its fight against Germany on the Eastern Front. 2/27 th Battalion (2nd AIF) Commemorates the 2/27 th Infantry Battalion which was raised in South Australia and served in the Middle East before joining the battle of the Kokoda Track. They also served in the "Battle of the Beachheads" which marked the end of the enemy presence in Papua in January Australian Special Air Service Regiment This memorial is dedicated to all members of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment past and present and to those who have been injured or killed in training and on operational service. Royal Australian Artillery Commemorates members of various Artillery regiments. Normandy Veterans Commemorates those who served at Normandy in France in 1944 in World War II when the allies established beachheads on the French coast. 8

10 2/48 th Battalion (2nd AIF) Commemorates those South Australians who served in the 2/48 th Infantry Battalion which is the most highly decorated unit in the Australian Army. POW s Sandakan Commemorates those POWS who were captured by the Japanese and held at Sandakan before being forced on the infamous Borneo Death marches. 2/43 rd Battalion Commemorates those South Australians who served in the 2/43 rd Infantry Battalion and which served at Tobruk and many other theatres during World War II. Pioneer Battalions Commemorates Pioneer Battalions. Pioneers were responsible for a range of tasks including the destruction of obstacles and construction of bridges to assist in the movement of troops during the war. Student questions (1) WOMEN S MEMORIAL (i) Fill in the missing words. This monument is dedicated to the women of South Australia who served in the defence forces of Australia during World War II (ii) What was the full name given to women's services in the Army, Navy, RAAF and as Army Nurses during World War II? Hint: Acronyms for the four services are provided below and answers can be found by a simple internet search. AWAS (Australian Women's Army Service) WRANS (Women's Royal Australian Naval Service) WAAAF (Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force) AANS (Australian Army Nursing Services) (2) 10 th BATTALION Fill in the missing words The 10 th Battalion was originally known as the Adelaide Rifles. (3) 2/27 th BATTALION What shape and colours is the 2/27 th colour patch which appears on the memorial? It is a Brown and Blue diamond. (4) SAS (Special Air Services) What is the "motto" of the SAS "Who Dares Wins" (5) 2/48 th BATTALION Name the Victoria Cross (VC) winners who served in the South Australian 2/48 th Battalion Stan Gurney Percy Gratwick Bill Kibby Tom Derrick 9

11 (6) 2/43 rd BATTALION How many awards did members of the 2/43 rd Infantry Battalion receive in World War II? (Calculate by adding the column of awards and circle the correct answer). (a) 79 (b) 89 (Correct answer) (c) 99 (7) These monuments were all designed and erected since What does this tell you about the ongoing respect for those whom the monuments commemorate? Even 50 and 60 years after the event the contribution and sacrifice of SA soldiers is still foremost in the minds of SA community. Until the 1990 s WWI overshadowed all other conflicts. But during the 1990 s WWII and subsequent conflicts were brought to prominence. Additional Information/Notes Background information taken directly from commemorative plaques. 10

12 4 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL Background Information Time to allow: 30 minutes. In 1919 the State Government decided that South Australia needed a memorial to commemorate the Victory of the Great War , and the States contribution to the war effort. The State Government conducted a competition for a suitable design. The winning entry featured a crypt inside the memorial with bronze honour rolls to line the walls. These contain the names of the 5511 South Australian men who fell during World War I. The memorial was officially unveiled by His Excellency the Governor Sir Alexander Hore- Ruthven in front of 75,000 people. There are a further four memorials at this site The French Memorial - World War I and World War II The Battle of Lone Pine - August The Australian Armed Forces Memorial - Malayan Peninsula, Korean, Borneo and Vietnam War World War II Memorial Enshrined in the wall are six Crosses of Memory. These commemorate: The Siege of Tobruk - April 10 - Dec The 10th Battalion Poziere (July and August 1916) The 27th Battalion - Poziere (August 4,5, & ) The 48th Battalion - Poziere (August 5 & ) The 50th Battalion - Villers-Bretonneux (April ) Royal Australian Regiment Student questions (1) Why do you think such an impressive memorial was erected? The State Government decided South Australia needed a memorial to commemorate the Victory of the Great War (World War I), the supreme and personal sacrifice of those who participated in that war and the national effort involved. South Australia was extremely proud of its contribution to the most significant conflict in Australia s short history. The memorial specifically commemorated the significant number of South Australians who were killed or wounded during the conflict by including all their names on plaques inside the memorial. (2) On Anzac Day 1931 the South Australian National War Memorial was unveiled. Why did it take so long after the end of World War I to be unveiled? Arguments over the site, a competition for suitable design, a fire which destroyed the designs of the five finalists, the conduct of another competition which included 11

13 suggesting a suitable site for the memorial and then the actual construction all delayed the unveiling of the memorial. They were even thinking of demolishing Parliament House at the time and having the memorial closer to parliament house. (3) The cost of the completed monument was 30,000. At a time when the country was in the grip of economic depression this was a significant amount of money. What does this willingness to donate to this project say about the South Australian public at the time? They were community spirited. They were proud of the achievements of South Australians during World War I. The South Australian community recognised the Australian involvement in World War I as being important to the development of the Australian Nationhood and the Australian identity The South Australian community were still feeling the massive loss of life and other impacts of the World War I. EXTERIOR (4) Describe the three figures shown on the eastern facing side. What do you think these figures represent? A student, farmer and girl symbolic of the youth of the South Australian community. They are looking up towards a vision representing the spirit of Duty, bearing in its hands a sword shaped as a cross. As with other aspects of the memorial this imagery shows the strong influence of (Christian) religion at the time. (5) Describe the figures on the western facing side. What do you think they represent? There is a winged spirit this time representing the Aftermath of War. The spirit holds a dead hero in the left arm and in the right a sword, which is in its scabbard. (i.e No longer being used). The intent of the sculptor was to symbolise the attributes of womanhood including maternal compassion, sacrifice of a son or lover and her power of resistance under strain. However students may place a range of equally appropriate interpretations on the images. (6) What do you think the flow of water in the ornamental pond represents? Being ceaseless it represents the constant flow of memories of the soldiers the memorial honours. Once again students may interpret this in other ways for example typifying the endless wars fought by men, the cleansing of the dead and the continuation of life after wars. (7) What link can you find that shows South Australia s commitment to the British Empire? Hint: Note the presence of the Lion and the flag in the photo at right. 12

14 The Bronze Lion, crowned with the Imperial Crown symbolises Australia s membership of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Australia fought in both World Wars I and II as the Australian Imperial Forces as part of the British Empire. INTERIOR (walk inside the memorial) (8) South Australians saw action and suffered loss of life during World War I in the following locations. Fill in the missing names. Somme, Pozieres, Bullecourt, Ypres, Messines, Passchendaele, Amiens, Hindenburg Line, Mont St. Quentin, Landing at Anzac, Gallipoli, Rumani, Jordan-Amman, and Megiddo. (9) 5511 South Australians died in this conflict. What impact would this have had on the South Australian people at the time? Students answers should give thought to loss of a family member(s) during World War I. (10) What impact does this list of names in the crypt have on you? Student s answers should convey an appreciation of the enormity of the loss of life and consequent suffering within the South Australian Community during and following World War I. (11) (i) Complete the quote from the Greek leader Pericles. Hint: Look above Honour Rolls. Their glory survives everlasting remembrance not graven in stone but enshrined for all time in the hearts of men. (ii) What do you think he meant by these words? They are not merely names on a monument but were someone s loved one whose courage and sacrifice will be remembered for all time. Walk To The Rear Of The Memorial And Find The Wooden Crosses From World War I (12) Find the crosses from World War I ( ). Which South Australian battalions are commemorated and where did each of the crosses come from? 10 th Battalion Pozieres 27 th Battalion Pozieres 48 th Battalion Pozieres 50 th Battalion Villers-Bretonneux (13) What do the other two crosses commemorate? The Seige of Tobruk 1941 (Erected by the Rats of Tobruk Association) The Royal Australian Regiments who served in Korea, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam. 13

15 (14) Locate three names on the World War II Memorial ( ). Find out information about the towns, in which they were born, enlisted and when they were killed on the World War II Nominal Roll at Students to write down full details of names from Roll of Honour and then obtain required information from the World War II Nominal Roll website. (15) Fill in the details of South Australian Servicemen honoured on the three Jubilee 150 valour plaques on North Tce. Hint: Immediately in front of SA National War Memorial set in the footpath on Nth Tce For valour For valour For valour World War I World War II Vietnam War A S Blackburn VC, CMG P Davey VC, MM R R Inwood VC J C Jensen VC J Leak VC L C Weathers VC A Sullivan VC T C Derrick VC, DCM G Grosse GC W H Kibby VC L C Matthews GC, MC P J Badcoe VC (16) Alexandrine Seager founded the Cheer-Up Society in November Initially women from the society visited army camps and hospitals and undertook a range of other philanthropic and fundraising activities providing support for AIF recruits and wounded returning from Gallipoli. From 1915 the society offered refreshment and recreation to soldiers in a large tent located behind the Adelaide Railway station. This was replaced by a Cheer-Up hut which was opened on the 14 November After 1920 the hut was closed but the Cheer-Up Society was revived in 1939 with advent of World War II although Alexandrine Seager who was an invalid played no part in its activities. The Cheer-Up Society was finally disbanded in Complete the plaque below by finding her plaque on North Terrace. Hint: All Nth Tce plaques are in alphabetical order, except for the three valour plaques mentioned in previous question. Alexandrine Seager s plaque is located in front of the Adelaide University near the western entrance to Elder Hall. 14

16 Alexandrina Seager Founder, Cheer-Up Society for Armed Services Sponsor: Fricker Carrington group Additional Information/Notes Background information taken from the RSL brochure on the South Australian National War Memorial. This brochure is available from RSL headquarters ph From S.A's Greats - The Men and Women of the North Terrace plaques edited by John Healey. A copy of the relevant pages, Alexandrine Seager or the valour winners is available from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 15

17 5 BOER WAR MEMORIAL Background Information Time to allow: 20 to 25 minutes. The Boer War Memorial is also known as the South African War Memorial. The memorial commemorates one of the earliest times South Australians served overseas. As part of the British Empire the Australian colonies offered troops for service in the war in South Africa. Nine contingents totalling 1531 men (82 officers and 1449 other ranks) and 1507 horses left from South Australia between 1899 and The memorial contains the names of the men killed during the conflict and it was unveiled before thousands of people. It was built using funds raised by public subscription at a cost of s 11d. Student questions (1) (i) Describe the South Australian Boer War Memorial by completing the following sentence. The focal point is the bronze sculpture of a mounted infantryman. It is mounted on a pedestal made of red Murray Bridge granite. There are bronze shields and ribbon scrolls fitted to the side of the pedestal. (Hint: What are the shields made of?) (ii) Who was the sculptor and what was the exact cost? (Circle the correct answer.) (a) s 19d (b) s 23d (c) s 11d (correct answer) The sculptor was Captain Adrian Jones. (Hint: The name of the sculptor is carved in the rock on which the horse stands). (2) When was the memorial unveiled? June (3) How many names appear on it? Hint: Follow the base (please take care of traffic when counting) 60 names 16

18 (4) South Australia s most famous horseman and horse breaker George Henry Goodall posed for half a day as the sculptor made a clay model of his head. He was also consulted extensively about the accoutrements worn by South Australian soldiers during the South African war and the attitude likely to be adopted by a trooper when surprised by the enemy. Hint: Answer can be found at (5) What was the nickname of the well known character executed by the British on 27 February 1902 in South Africa, who was the subject of a movie and several recent books and is missing from the names of those killed in the Boer War? Harry Breaker Morant Web reference (6) What does this statue tell you about South Australia s contribution to the Boer War? The war was fought on horseback South Australians were proud of the South Australian involvement The South Australian government wanted our involvement in the Boer war to be remembered. Australia s devotion to the British Empire Australia s desire to support Britain who would in turn provide security for the new nation from future threats from our northern (Asian) neighbours. Additional Information/Notes Background information taken from the RSL brochure on the South African/Boer War Memorial. This brochure is available from RSL headquarters (ph ). Viewing of the Breaker Morant video/dvd provides an opportunity to examine in more detail the basis on which Breaker Morant was convicted for executing Boer prisoners and the interpretation of the film makers in terms of Breaker Morant s perceived innocence or guilt. 17

19 8 AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE and WAR HORSE MEMORIALS Background Information Time to allow: 10 minutes This site contains three memorials, the Australian Light Horse Memorial, the War Horse Memorial and the Royal Australian Armoured Corps Memorial. The Light Horse Memorial is dedicated to the honour and glory of those Light Horsemen who died in battle during the First World War. The Australian Light Horse were involved in many famous battles during the First World War including the heroic bayonet charge at the Nek, Gallipoli (17 August 1915) and the famous cavalry charge at Beersheba, Palestine (31 October 1917) which was the last time horses were used as cavalry by Australian forces. The War Horse Memorial commemorates the services of Australian horses that took part in the Great War. At the end of World War I the horses used by the Australian Light Horse could not return home. Due to quarantine regulations it was impossible to take tens of thousands of army horses back to Australia. Many horsemen preferred to shoot their mounts rather than risk the chance of them being ill treated. The Royal Australian Armoured Corps Memorial is dedicated to the service of those members of the RAAC, who were the successors to the Light Horse regiments and served in World War II Horses were replaced in the Armoured Corps during the Second World War by motorised machine gunners, armoured cars and light and medium tank regiments. Student questions WAR HORSE MEMORIAL (1) Comment on the shape of the memorial. Hint: What is it? It is in the shape of a water trough for horses which is the purpose for which it was originally used when it was located in Victoria Square. The State Government provided free water at the time to enable horses to drink from the trough. (2) What does this monument suggest to you about the contribution of horses in World War I? The monument pays tribute to all horses used during World War I. Horses played many roles during World War I and were an important part of the war effort. Their roles included use as cavalry in the Charge at Beersheba, transporting troops and carting of loads, pulling large guns and horse ambulances during World War I. 18

20 (3) What was the fate of the horses at the end of the First World War? Due to quarantine regulations horses could not return to Australia although there were two notable exceptions. In the case of the Australian Light Horse they chose to put their animals down rather than have them treated poorly following the departure of the soldiers from the Middle East. (4) Why are horses no longer used in modern warfare? Changes in technology have meant that mechanised transport has replaced horses in modern armies. Whilst the Australian Army no longer uses horses they still have a ceremonial role within some foreign armed forces. (5) How were funds raised to build this memorial? Hint: See sign at the back of the memorial. By public subscription. (6) What does this tell you about the importance and level of respect for the horses used during World War I by the South Australian community? Horses were seen as an important part of the war effort and were held in high regard by South Australians at the time of the First World War. AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE MEMORIAL (7) During World War I Australian Light Horse forces served in which of the following countries in the Middle East? (Circle the correct answer). (a) (b) (c) Gallipoli, Eygpt, Palestine (correct answer) Jordan, Israel, Algeria Afghanistan, Libya, Morocco (8) On what day was the Australian Light Horse Memorial unveiled? April (9) How were conditions different in the Middle East from those in France and Belgium in the First World War? Hint: Information can be found at Unlike their counterparts in France and Belgium, the Australians in the Middle East fought a mobile war against the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) in conditions completely different from the mud and stagnation of the Western Front. The light horsemen and their mounts had to survive extreme heat, harsh terrain and water shortages. Nevertheless, casualties were comparatively light, with 1,394 Australians killed or wounded in three years of war. 19

21 (10) Provide a brief overview of the campaign the Australian soldiers were fighting in the Middle East from 1916 to the surrender of the Turks in 1918? Hint: Information can be found at This campaign began in 1916 with Australian troops participating in the defence of the Suez Canal and the allied reconquest of the Sinai Peninsular. In the following year Australian and other allied troops advanced into Palestine and captured Gaza and Jerusalem; by 1918 they had occupied Lebanon and Syria. On the 30 October 1918, Turkey sued for peace. The objective of the campaign was to protect the Suez Canal from capture by German and Turkish forces. After this achieved the principle aim was to drive Turkish forces out of the areas of Syria and Lebanon which were held by them, thereby protecting access to the Middle East oil fields, which were of growing strategic significance. (11) What do you think might be the significance of the light atop the memorial? The light was originally intended to be lit from sunset to sunrise during the period between the going down of the sun and the morning in dedication to those who served in the Australian Light Horse during World War I. (12) Albert Whitmore was the last South Australian World War I veteran and the last Australian Light Horsemen. He was born in 1899 and died on the 31 October Hint: Refer to plaque on the steps of the memorial. ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARMOURED CORPS MEMORIAL Read the plaque on the side of the Memorial (13) The Royal Australian Armoured Corps was the successor to the Australian Light Horse. What sort of vehicles do you think this military unit may have used during World War II to replace the use of horses? (Hint: refer background information) Motorised machine gunners, armoured cars and light and medium tank regiments were formed in World War II replacing the original Light Horse Units. Additional Information/Notes Background information taken from the RSL brochure on the Light Horse and War Horse Memorials. This brochure is available from RSL headquarters (ph ). Some brief information about the activities of the Australian Light Horse during World War I can be found at 20

22 Background Information Time to allow: 30 to 60 minutes. 9 BLACKBURN HOUSE Arthur Blackburn was born on 25 November 1892 at Woodville. He was educated at Pulteney Grammar, the Collegiate school of St Peter (St Peter s College) and Adelaide University. He graduated as a lawyer in On 19 August 1914 he enlisted in the AIF. He landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and with Private Phil Robin penetrated the furthest point inland of any Australian soldier, around 1800 metres inland from Anzac Cove. On 26 February 1916 he was promoted to lieutenant and later embarked to France. At Pozieres in France on 23 July 1916 he personally led four bombing parties on an enemy strong point which they destroyed and as a result captured about 350 metres of trench. For his bravery at Pozieres he received the Victoria Cross which was invested by King George at Buckingham Palace on 4 October During the Second World War he commanded the 2/3 rd Machine Gun Company during the Syrian campaign. He accepted the surrender of the Vichy French forces at Damascus on 21 June In February 1942 his unit landed at Java in Indonesia. After three weeks of resistance, allied forces were forced to surrender and Captain Blackburn was taken prisoner by the Japanese. He was imprisoned in Singapore, Japan, Korea and Manchuria, where he was liberated in September Between the wars and after World War II Arthur Blackburn held many senior legal, political and RSL positions. He also received a number of honours including the CMG (Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George) in He died at Crafers on 24 November He was buried with full military honours in West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide. Blackburn House is named in his honour. Student questions (1) Where in Adelaide did Blackburn receive his education? What was his profession before joining the AIF (Australian Imperial Force) in 1914? He was educated at Pulteney Grammar, the Collegiate school of St Peter (St Peter s College) and Adelaide University. He was a lawyer. 21

23 (2) Please read the information under Blackburn s photo in the foyer of Blackburn House and complete the following. Brigadier Arthur Seaforth Blackburn VC CMG CBE Born at Woodville, South Australia 25th November th November 1960 WWI th Battalion AIF WWII /3 Australian Machine Gun Battalion AIF Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery at Pozieres France 1916 (3) List four types of programs from the Mission Statement and four functions of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Mission Statement is DVA exists to serve members of Australia s veteran and defence force communities, their war widow(er)s, widow(er)s, and dependents through programs of care, compensation, commemoration and defence support services. Functions of the Department include; FINANCIAL Payment of Service, Disability and War Widows/Widowers Pensions Income Support Supplement, Lump sum payments and wages top up and other allowances SERVICES Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Service Repatriation Health Cards and other Medical Entitlements Defence Forces Homes and Insurance HomeFront and Home Maintenance Helpline Veterans Home Care Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service Veterans Children Education Scheme Additional Information/Notes Background information regarding all Australian Victoria Cross winners including Arthur Seaforth Blackburn can be found in They Dared Mightily by Lionel Wigmore in collaboration with Bruce Harding. Second edition revised and condensed by Jeff William and Anthony Staunton. 22

24 Information regarding all South Australian Victoria Cross and George Cross winners can be found in S.A's Greats - The Men and Women of the North Terrace plaques edited by John Healey. Copies of the above two documents can be obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 23

25 10 ADELAIDE GENERAL POST OFFICE Background Information Time to allow: 20 minutes. The Bombing of Darwin On the 19 February 1942 two attacks by enemy aircraft were made on Darwin. These raids occurred at 9.58am on Darwin Harbour/Town and at 11.58am on Darwin Aerodrome. Official figures record that 243 people were killed and 350 people were wounded in the raids. This was the first attack ever by a foreign country on Australian soil and whilst many details were kept secret at the time we now know that more bombs were dropped on Darwin on that day than the attack on Pearl Harbour on the 7 December Damage caused in the first raids on Darwin was extensive. The Post and Telegraph offices, Police Station, Barracks, Cable Office, and Government offices were destroyed and the civilian hospital damaged in the first raid. The RAAF hospital, recreation hall, equipment store, many houses and living quarters were destroyed in the second raid. About the Post Office Prior to the bombing raid of 19 February 1942 most civilians had been evacuated and this option was offered to the Post Office staff but they chose to stay. They were aware of the Fall of Singapore and the seemingly unstoppable enemy advance toward Australia. Peter Bald the Postmaster and his family lived near the Post Office and had built an air raid shelter in their back garden for use by the family and the Post Office staff. Soon after the first raid on Darwin began the female telephonists and several male members of the staff sought shelter there. A bomb scored a direct hit on the shelter killing the postmaster and his family, together with several members of his male staff and the whole of the female staff. In all, ten postal and communications workers were killed. The memorial in the Adelaide Post Office (GPO) commemorates their heroic choice to stay at their posts in the face of imminent danger. They died because they decided to put their duty before their personal safety. Student questions (1) By looking at the names on the marble plaques at the GPO how many females were killed when the enemy bombed the Darwin Post Office on 19 February 1942? 6 females (2) Postal staff were given the option of leaving Darwin as the threat of an enemy attack grew more likely. Most women and children had already been evacuated from the city. What do you think you would have done if you were a postal worker in Darwin in 1942 and why? Students own response. By the Post Office staying open they were able to alert authorities of the bombing raid as it occurred via use of morse code. Otherwise the details of the attack may have taken some time to be communicated to Government 24

26 authorities. The Post Office also played an important role as a service to the military and civilian authorities by staying open. (3) Fill in the names missing from the memorial. Hurtle C Bald Alice L Bald Iris E Bald Jean C Mullen Eileen C Mullen Additional Information/Notes Background information from Darwin and the Northern Territory a Department of Veterans Affairs publication. A copy of the relevant information is available from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 25

27 11 ADELAIDE TOWN HALL Background Information Time to Allow: 10 minutes. Roy Inwood was born at North Adelaide, South Australia on the 15 July Educated at North Adelaide Public School and Broken Hill Model School, he worked as a miner prior to enlisting in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) on 24 August Roy Inwood's two brothers also served in the AIF, with Robert being killed at Pozieres on the 24 July 1916 and Harold being wounded in France before returning to Australia in Roy served with the South Australian 10 th Battalion at Gallipoli before moving to France with the battalion in It was on the morning of 20 September 1917, when the 10 th attacked Polygon Wood, that Roy Inwood won his Victoria Cross. Roy went out alone to gain control of an enemy strongpoint which he captured. This enabled the battalion to achieve its objective. The following night, expecting a counter attack, Inwood volunteered to go out 600 metres in front of the line to report on enemy movements. The attack did not eventuate. The next morning Inwood located a machine gun that was causing casualties. He crept up behind it, took it out of action and at the same time captured a prisoner whom he forced to carry his machine gun back to Australian lines. He returned to Australia on 24 August Roy Inwood worked for the Adelaide City Council from 1928 until his retirement in He left his Victoria Cross to the 10 th Battalion Ex-Serviceman's Association, who presented it to the Corporation of the City Of Adelaide on the 19 September It is displayed in the council chamber. Student questions (1) Where and how did former Adelaide City Council Worker Roy Inwood win his Victoria Cross (VC) during World War I? He won his VC at Polygon Wood in France when he went out alone and captured an enemy strongpoint. The following night he volunteered to go out 600 meters in front of the Australian line to observe enemy movements. The following night he located and captured a machine gun forcing the prisoner to carry it back to the Australian lines. (2) Australians have won 97 Victoria Crosses. Find out more about the history of the Victoria Cross including the metal from which the crosses are made and make some notes below. Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856 the Victoria Cross is highly prized and has evolved into the supreme decoration for gallantry in battle awarded to members of Commonwealth forces for the last 130 years. The cross itself is cast from gun metal taken from two Russian bronze muzzle-loading cannons allegedly captured by the British during the Crimean War (1853 to 1856). 26

28 Web site for information on the Victoria Cross is Additional Information/Notes Background information regarding all Australian Victoria Cross winners including Roy Inwood can be found in They Dared Mightily by Lionel Wigmore in collaboration with Bruce Harding. Second edition revised and condensed by Jeff William and Anthony Staunton. A copy of the above publication can be obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is the only Victoria Cross on public display in South Australia. Please ring the Adelaide City Council, ph , to arrange for a staff member to take students into the chamber. Monday is the day the Council generally set aside for public visits. 27

29 HONOUR BOARDS and ROLLS Background Information Over 1.2 million Australians have served in conflicts and over 102,000 have been killed in service of their country since the outbreak of the Boer War in Many of the names of these servicemen and women appear on local honour boards located within the communities from which they came. It is estimated that in South Australia there are more than 5000 honour boards, which are located in such places as RSL halls, lodges, churches, hospitals, council buildings, post offices, railway stations and schools throughout the state. Indeed in one small country town, Burra, in the Mid North there are ten honour boards alone in different locations, and in Moonta on the Yorke Peninsula eight honour boards have been located. Honour boards generally contain the names of all those who served in a particular conflict and crosses or other notations such as K.I.A (Killed in Action) to indicate those who died in the service of their country. Honour boards often also include mention of awards for valour won by those whose names appear on it. Each honour board is different and all are an important piece of the history of the community or organisation whose members appear on it. Student questions (1) At what sites on the walk were honour boards/rolls located? (Answer will depend on what sites have been visited) Church (Scot s Uniting Church) Adelaide University (Mitchell Building) Adelaide Post Office ( GPO) (2) Scot s Uniting Church (Map reference 7, entrance adjacent to Pultney St) (i) Copy the heading from the World War I honour boards/roll. (i) Those connected with this congregation who served in the Great War. (ii) Find and name multiple members from the same family from Scot s who served or lost their lives in World War II. Hint: Those who lost their lives are listed under the symbol of a cross. Anderson (2 served) Bairnsfather (3 served, 1 died) Campbell (2 served, 1 died) Hugo (2 served) McEwin (6 served) Milne (2 served) Raggatt (2 served) Stewart (2 served) Sutherland (2 served) Wood (3 served) Young (3 served, 1 died) (iii) BC Balfour PM Barnfield R Cabot 28

30 (iii) What is significant about this section located at the bottom of the Scot s Uniting Church World War II honour board/roll? Copy down the first three names that appear in this section. One of the few honour boards that commemorates women. (2) Adelaide University - Mitchell Building (map reference 6 - enter via gate adjacent to Art Gallery, enter via main entrance of building and up the stairs to first level) (i) Copy the inscription at the top of the honour board/roll These are our men who served abroad (ii) Are there any females listed? Hint: Look at far left section of the roll. Yes (iii) Who? Write in their names below. Phoebe Chapple and Laura Hope (i) (ii), (iii) (3) Post Office Honour Board/Roll (Map reference 10 - enter via 2nd door on Nth Tce, proceed down corridor to the right and it is on the wall on the right hand side) (i) Copy patriotic heading from the honour board/roll. Australia Post Telegraph and Telephone Department Who have joined the Australian Expeditionary Forces (Roll of Honour) For King and Country (ii) Who erected the honour board/roll? Fellow Officers of the Department

31 (i) A.H. Storer W.O. Wegener J.C.Earls (ii) (iii) Locate the names highlighted and complete the entry by including the information that follows their name. A.H. Storer MM (Military Medal) J.C. Earls Died of wounds W.O. Wegener Killed in action Additional Information/Notes Background information sourced from Will Clough from Riverton. Further information available on the Tributes of Honour website at 30