Friends of Soldiers Memorial Avenue Inc. Newsletter Issue 49: June 2010

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1 Friends of Soldiers Memorial Avenue Inc. Newsletter Issue 49: June 2010 Highlights: New trees for 2010, Henley Family Visit Dates to remember: Sunday June 20 Working Bee Working Bees Numbers stacking up During the April and May working bees nearly 200 numbers were placed - we now have numbers on all plinths from 100 to 520. This leaves the section from Aberdeen St through to #99 and the even numbers for trees yet to be planted at the Soldiers Memorial Oval. Many thanks to members of the Committee and stalwart original members (Hughes, Panton s and Petterd s) for slaving on those delightful autumn days. Finishing off the numbers should easily be accomplished in 2 hours and will be a job well done. Join us for the final working bee placing numbers on June 20 at 10am. We will meet at the container at TCA north and then proceed down to the site. Anzac Day Activities On Anzac Day a small exhibition was held at the Gunpowder Magazine, somewhat reduced by the absence of Peter Pickering and his collection due to a trip to France travelling the old battle lines, kitted out as a member of the 26 th Bn, and visiting cemeteries of men of the battalion and on the Avenue. More of that from Pete in the next issue. A BBQ was held on the Avenue and it was good to see the number of families visiting trees for picnics and leaving wreaths. This year descendants placed our official Men of the Avenue wreath. Cheryl Wickham (Pte William George Copcutt 12 th Bn Tree#84) was joined by Brian Morey (L/Cpl Harry Havelock Morey MM 4 th Field Ambulance Tree#105). This continues our practice of asking members to place the wreath on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. Brian Morey and Cheryl Wickham Our Wreath Brian has been a long time member and operates AMS Hire and through his business has donated equipment and vehicles for use by FOSMA many times over the years. Cheryl and her mother, Helen Hartley, have been long stalwart members from the foundation of FOSMA. FOSMA Newsletter No.49 1

2 Plans for the Soldiers Memorial Oval completion At a recent meeting with the Hobart City Council there was a very productive discussion about the possible layouts and plans for the final section of the Avenue around the Soldiers Memorial Oval. Existing facilities to be demolished and moved closer to the junction between the ovals. Area to be terraced with seats/benches. Parking to be redesigned for both THAC and SMO Potential path alignment around both ovals At this stage, this is all discussion only with formal plans and budgets some way in the future. The very positive indications for us are: A commitment to having a high class top-end to the Avenue Assurance that we will get all the trees required An area with good facilities that will serve sporting users and help attract more people to the area and the Avenue We will probably be looking at a 2-stage completion, remembering the original goal was 2014 so we are still well ahead of schedule. We are hoping for the first tree planting and plaque dedication in It should also be remembered that there are still other improvements and additions to be made in the rest of the Avenue and we will continue to work with the HCC on getting that work underway. This will include some improvements to the track, new maps and information signs and a formal entrance for the Avenue at TCA North. There is a long way to go but we are committed as are Hobart City Council to getting the best result possible on the final part of the redevelopment of the Oval. We can all be assured that no-one is going to make this another tip site nor a forgotten piece of Hobart s heritage. This process will make sure no one can forgot ever again what this place is and why it was created. New Tree List During July, the Hobart City Council Tree Unit will be planting new trees in the southern part of the Avenue from just below the TCA ground right through to the Tattersall s Hobart Aquatic Centre. During last December and again in February/March this year, Andrew Robert-Tissot, the Council arborist, assessed all the trees in this area. Naturally all missing and dead trees are slated for replacement. FOSMA Newsletter No.49 2

3 Living trees were assessed in terms of likely healthy remaining life and a score given. Basically trees unlikely to remain stable for at least the next 10 years were deemed nearly dead and are recommended for replacement. Why replace now? The trees are available having been grown from seedlings in the Council nursery over the last 4-5 years. Winter is the best time to plant. Tree stock in the next 2 years is earmarked for the Soldiers Memorial Oval and the southern portion of the Avenue below the TCA. This will exhaust current stocks of new trees with only a small number to be available for contingencies (unexpected demise due to weather, vandalism etc). Replacing a tree is an opportunity to renew a family connection to the Avenue and involve another generation in continuing that connection and commitment. Trees have finite lives and will die for the Avenue to be a living memorial, evergreen it is essential that trees are replaced and replanted and in a planned way. In 50 years time the Avenue will be more as it was originally intended and more like it was many years ago. What if I don t want a living tree replaced? No tree will be replaced if the family objects. Note that the next chance to renew a family tree will not be until 2019 or later. It is accepted that family has the final say on the replacement of a tree planted by the nearest relatives of the soldier commemorated. It will not be an easy decision to make this break. Why assess and replace in groups? In terms of the look of the Avenue in the future, it is best to replant in large sections so there is a consistent look and feel to the landscape. Planting like this also makes the job of maintaining them easier to manage. Trees will be watered for up to 5 years. Having multiple plantings mixed in together would make keeping track of which trees are to be watered much more difficult. It is also easier to monitor tree health and work out which trees may require more assistance you can judge like with like in terms of age, size and foliage. Why not replace all the trees? There are simply not enough trees and there is little point in removing trees that have many more years of life. Many trees have 20 or 30 more years life ahead. Removing more trees than needed would also destroy the important heritage and family values of the Avenue families planted the trees. The overall look of the Avenue with its wonderful vistas of trees flanking the path in many sections would be destroyed. What happens to the timber from trees being removed? This can be a great way of maintaining a family connection with the original tree planted by the family. Depending on the size of the tree, and access to some skills, simple mementos could be made to pass on through the family. We advise visiting the tree with a family member or friend who is able to give you some advice about potential uses. In the case of nearly dead trees timber may have to be stored for some time until it can be used. The important thing is to give yourself options. We will ask the HCC to mark trees as they are felled and arrange temporary storage. Families will be notified of a pick up day and place. Some timber will be stored by FOSMA for later use on the Avenue. The Council will dispose of the remainder. To register your wishes about a) tree replacement and b) to lodge interest in timber from a family tree earmarked for replacement please contact either Adrian Howard or John Wadsley by Monday June 14 th. Alternatively you can soldiersmemave@netspace.net.au. 74 trees dead in bold or poor 27 Pte William Francis Haynes 28 Pte Errol Vincent Cleary 36 Pte Frederick Ena Lange 37 Pte. Robert Wiggins 38 Pte Frank Hubert Evans 39 Pte Thomas Connel 40 Pte. Claude Tasman Jack 42 Pte Charles Ernest Maxfield 43 Pte Richard James Lawler 46 Pte Edward Churchill Terry 50 Drv Alfred George Bartley FOSMA Newsletter No.49 3

4 55 L/Cpl Harry Alexander 56 Pte Vincent Bowman 59 Pte Albert Harrex 62 Pte Ernest Charles Woolley 63 Pte Robert Ernest Westbury 65 Cpl Ernest William Larkins 66 Cpl Cecil Norman Salisbury 67 Pte Walter Harold Carr 68 Pte Frederick Dale 70 Pte Francis Joseph Whelan 75 Pte Percy Gladstone Moate 77 Pte William John Pfau 78 Pte James Purcell Bowerman 82 Pte George Harold Thomas 87 Captain Keith Heritage 91 Pte Robert Nelson Jackson 101 L/Cpl Joseph Clyde Weavers 102 Sgt Alfred Gibbs Tolman 105 L/Cpl Harry Havelock Morey 109 Pte Edward Andrew McNamara 110 Staff Sgt William Monks 111 Pte John Theodore Owen 113 Pte John Henderson 116 Pte John ( Jack ) Thomas Warren 121 Pte William Ernest Gilbert 124 Pte Frank Kent-Newbold 125 Pte Walter Leonard Rutter 128 Cpl Alan Pitt 140 Sgt Barry Wentworth Addison 142 Pte Joseph Francis Haney 148 Pte Robert James Anderson 149 Pte Eric Charles Seabrook 150 Pte James Alfred Shea 156 Gnr Albert Bertie Cato 157 Pte Herbert Edwards 160 Pte Alfred Ernest Watson 164 Pte Walter Langdon 171 Drv Benjamin Joseph Hewett 174 Spr Joseph John Cannon 177 Pte. Sydney Montgomery Daley 178 Pte William Leslie Cragg 185 Lt William Keith Eltham 188 Lt Harry Russell Beamish Bruford 190 Pte Leslie B. Brooks 194 Sgt Frederick William Lewis 202 Drv Maurice Hunter 204 Trooper Horace Hawkesford 208 Drv William John Dwyer 209 L/Cpl Charles George Smith 210 Pte Leslie Oscar Rollins 212 Pte Albert Robert Blackmore 216 Drv Norman Thompson 217 Pte Charles Bertram Foreman 218 Pte William August Halton 220 Drv Randall Cooper 223 Pte Alfred Warren 225 Pte Charles Rowell Willing 229 Pte Cecil Ernest O'Brien 230 Sgt Walter Patrick Hill 231 Pte Thomas Andrew Payne 232 Pte William McPherson 236 Gnr Clive Linklator Barrow 239 Pte Thomas Charles Whitfield Hill Trees will be planted in an additional 39 sites without trees. 18 Pte. Cecil Herbert Hanigan 26 Pte. Frank Rometch 85 Pte. Thomas Seymour 86 Sgt. Russell Charles Creed 93 Pte. Carl Frederick Bentin 97 Spr. Abraham Lyden 98 Pte. John Henry Christie 99 Pte. Alexander Mc Kendrick 117 Pte. Archie Darling Gould 120 L/Cpl. Norman Hall 129 Cpl. Charles Cecil Cearns 130 Cpl. Daniel Francis Cronin 132 Lt. Edward Lionel Butler 133 Pte. Norman Humphrey 135 Pte. Sidney Parsons 136 L/Cpl. David James McNeill 137 Capt. Harry Edward Massey 141 Cpl Stanley George Burge 144 Pte. Albert Ford 145 L/Sgt John Alexander Swift 152 L/Cpl. John (Jack) Benson 153 Pte. Roy Butler 163 Cpl. William McAllister 166 Pte. Lambert Victor Gadd 168 Pte. Percy Herbert Harrison 170 Pte. Leonard Ernest Smart 180 Pte. John Gilbert Brain 181 Pte. James Henderson 186 L/Sgt Trevor Young 192 Cpl. Vivian Enoch Triffitt 193 2nd Lt. William Drew MM 198 Pte. Thomas Jones 200 Dvr. Edwin George Herron 201 Pte. Clarence William Mears 203 Gnr George Mc Creadie 205 L/Cpl. Claude Kenneth Clark 206 Cpt. Guy Brooke Bailey 228 Spr. Percy Alexander Emery 234 Pte. Arthur William Croft FOSMA Newsletter No.49 4

5 JUST BY CHANCE begins a tale of chance. My great Uncle Charlie (Charles Victor Henley) sang as a choirboy with his older brother William (my grandfather), in St David s cathedral Hobart, before World War One. The Henley men have all had beautiful singing voices. Uncle Charlie (as he is affectionately known by the family) has always been spoken about by my father; in his study hangs a family gallery of war service portraits. Unlike all the other relatives on this wall, Uncle Charlie never came home. But he was never forgotten; my father told me how every year, as a small boy he was instructed to carry a bunch of flowers tied in blue and white ribbons (the Hobart battalion colours) for Charlie, to the local war memorial in Nathalia. My father held him very dearly in his heart; as a result the rest of the family did too. My father had always wanted to see Uncle Charlies name on the memorial in France with his own eyes, however, this had never happened. Incredibly no one knew of the existence of a tree planted in remembrance of Charles Victor Henley as requested by his grieving mother (my great grandmother) in Hobart. So It was music that brought my son Tom and I to Hobart at the end of January this year. He is a double bassist who was performing at the MOFO festival near Salamanca Place. On a whim he invited me to come with him and the rest of the band; I love Hobart and felt drawn to the place where my Great Grandparents had lived and raised their family. So, of course I accepted his offer and we flew over from Melbourne. Together we walked to St David s cathedral and I showed him Uncle Charlies name on the roll of honour at the front entrance. Between rehearsals, sound checks and performances we set off on foot to explore Hobart; our destination was the Botanic Gardens. Employing a mobile phone for satellite navigation we climbed a steep hill, became disorientated and stopped to cool off under a large tree. It was a beautiful sunny summer day and we gazed out over Hobart and Mt Wellington in the distance. Looking closer we saw a plaque beneath the tree, which was dedicated to a young serviceman who had died in World War One. Walking further we found another spreading tree with a similar plaque but had no idea of the treasure we were about to discover. We could not believe our eyes, when, veering right we happened upon a large plan of the Soldiers Walk with a map and more than five hundred names listed alphabetically on it; amongst them the name Charles Victor Henley and the tree number 165. Bathed in bright sunshine, filled with anticipation and emotion we made our way down the pathway to Uncle Charlies tree and there we stood quite overcome by the reality of such a moment in time. A great niece and a great-great nephew stood side by side in loving memory of a member of our family who died too young, we wanted to honour him so we picked some yellow flowers growing nearby and placed them by his name. It was a unique and special moment for a mother and son to share high on a hill overlooking the Derwent River. FOSMA Newsletter No.49 5

6 From the seat opposite Uncle Charlies tree I phoned my father, Jack Henley (who served aboard HMAS Australia in the second World War) in Melbourne. I told him of the miraculous existence of the tree and the new detailed plaque dedicated to him; it was an emotional phone call and I promised I would bring him to Charlies tree as soon as I was able. Tom and I agreed it was truly an amazing day, one that would always be treasured. So ten weeks later I found myself back on an aeroplane bound for Hobart, this time accompanied by both my mother and father (Ivy and Jack Henley). After settling into The Hadley Hotel, which was chosen for its close proximity to St David s Cathedral (it was the Henley family s church) we were all very eager to set off for the Soldiers Walk. A little more slowly this time we walked together downhill, stopping to read plaques and admire trees on the way. Upon reaching tree 165 my father reached into his pockets and carefully placed upon the plaque an Australian flag, Charlies service medals and a Henley family photo, which included a young Charlie, aged about thirteen. I added a remembrance poppy and a bunch of flowers tied with the blue and white ribbons of his battalion. My mother stood with us and as always was a great support to my father. It was a poignant and moving experience to be together at the site of such love and loss. Like Uncle Charlie and my grandfather William Henley, my father and his four brothers all had beautiful singing voices too. As I sat next to my parents in St David s Cathedral on our last evening in Hobart I listened to the rich voices of the choir harmonising and soaring upwards during the evening service. My thoughts were of my family long ago, my great grandparents listening to their two sons singing in this very place. As we departed down the well-worn middle aisle, tears were streaming silently down my father s cheeks; he whispered to me I am walking in the footsteps of my father and Uncle Charlie. Now we know he will not be forgotten. I knew he was referring to the Soldiers Walk. Hobart occupies a very special place in my heart; that young men like Charles Victor Henley are still honoured in their hometown is humbling and moving. As a family we are deeply grateful to all those involved in the restoration of the Soldiers Walk. For my father this was a very important destination, and for our wider family it will be a place, which we shall continue to visit regularly with reverence and respect. Julie Butt (nee Henley) Many thanks to Duncan Kerr MP SC, Federal Member for Denison and his staff for photocopying this newsletter. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Globe Group. FOSMA Newsletter No.49 6

7 Friends of Soldiers Memorial Avenue Inc., GPO Box 1867, HOBART TAS 7001 Phone : soldiersmemave@netspace.net.au Patron: His Excellency Peter Underwood AC Governor of Tasmania President: A Howard Secretary: K Black Membership for 2010/2011 NOW DUE Subscriptions: Annual Membership is on a financial year basis from 1 July to 30 June: $10.00 Membership Paid for Life is a once off payment: $ Payments can be made by cheque or postal order posted to: FOSMA, GPO Box 1867, Hobart Or via direct deposit If you make a direct deposit to a branch, still send notification so we can track you deposit. If you deposit via the internet, give your name in the reference field. Bank: Westpac Bank Name of account: Friends of Soldiers Memorial Avenue Inc. BSB number: Account Number: _ Renewals: you only need to provide address details if they have changed. Membership type (please tick): New Renewal Membership Paid for Life Do you wish to make a donation with this membership? (please tick): General Plaque Total Amount included with this form (membership plus any donation): $... Name:... Postal Address: Address:... Telephone (home):... (work/mobile):... Newsletter Delivery Preference (please tick): Via Post Via FOSMA Newsletter No.49 7