Balcony of the Gawler Institute
Since its completion in 1871, the Gawler Institute has served many purposes to the people of Gawler: library, meeting space, museum, concert venue, and also war memorial.
Following the bloodshed of World War One (1914-1918), the balcony of the Gawler Institute was dedicated to the memory of those lost in war.
On the 28th of February 1921, the Bunyip writes of the hope that the project will create ‘a tangible and loving expression of our gratitude to the men of the district who gave their all for us in the Great War a seemly and permanent Memorial.’
Today on Murray Street, in the heart of Gawler, this memorial still serves as an ever-present reminder of the horrors endured by our community and those lost in the service of Australia.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/158938155?searchTerm=
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Cast Iron Gold Eagle
This unorthodox memorial exemplifies every aspect of the larger than life ANZAC Legend - larrikinism, mateship, endurance, humour and courage. Within the foyer of the Gawler Institute is perched a gold coloured eagle. However, this statue originally called the Thompson Foundry home – that was until the shenanigans of the 86 Squadron. This World War Two Air Force squadron was formed in Gawler on 4 March 1943 and was the only operation fighter squadron to be formed in South Australia for the war, or since. On the eve of their departure a plan was hatched to steal the eagle from the foundry. According to the squadron history:
“Alan Weir climbed the building one night but was unable to remove the eagle as it was set in concrete. Forewarned, the kitchen staff led by Jack McGregor took a pick along and uprooted the bird and stowed it away. Before the local authorities became aware of the unroosting the squadron had departed.
”The eagle was then smuggled to Merauke, New Guinea, and took its place of pride in the squadron’s recreational hut, becoming an unofficial mascot of sorts. It became tradition for the men, upon entering the hut, to rub his palm of the top of the eagles head. On the occasion that the 86 Squadron conducted a funeral, the eagle was carried to the service and inspired the reading of Chapter XL Verse 31 from the Book of Isaiah:
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wing as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
"Upon their return to Australia, the squadron unanimously Decided that the eagle be returned to the people of Gawler.
In the letter penned by Wing Commander S W Galton to the Town Clerk of Gawler; the following quote has been extracted: “While this Squadron was situated at Gawler, it became deeply indebted to the citizens there, and the feeling inspired has and always will remain with each individual member of the Squadron. On behalf of all members of the Squadron and myself I ask you to accept return of the "Eagle," and trust that it will serve as a token of remembrance to the late Pilot Officer Ivor Hatcher.”
Flying Officer Ivor Hatcher was a member of the 86 Squadron who disappeared whilst flying into a storm front to Merauke in 1943.
Today, the 608 Squadron, located in Gawler, has incorporated the eagle into its insignia in memory of those who served before.
http://eaglefoundry.com.au/?page_id=88
https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au/explore/memorials/258
http://www.608squadron.org/86-squadron-raaf-1943---1945.html
Boer War Honour Board
Located in the foyer of the Gawler Council Chambers, this board commemorates the deaths of locals Corporal J.H. Heinjus, Trooper F.J. Tothill and Trooper Bruce May.
Lasting from 1899 until 1902, this war was fought between the Boers, (Dutch–Afrikaners settlers) and Britain. As New Zealand, Canada, India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) all had colonial ties to Britain, they also offered military support. Fought in now South Africa, conflict arose over the gold deposits within the Boer territories, which neighboured the British Cape Colony. Following a British raid on the Boers in 1896 (known as the Jameson Raid) the Boers consequently Declared war on Britain on 11 October, 1899. After over two and a half years of largely guerrilla warfare, Britain was victorious and under the Treaty of Vereening on 31 March 1902, all Boers became British subjects. However, nine years later, South Africa became a self-governing dominion that was lead largely by former Boer Generals.
Australian’s largely served in mounted units formed within each colony. The vast majority of these men were from colony militias or bushmen contingents privately contracted. Post Federation in 1901, new federal Horse contingents were raised.
It was during the Boer War that evidence of the ANZAC Legend first arises. Australians developed a reputation for their bravery, toughness and cool-headedness.
Corporal John Henry Heinjus passed away from Enteric Fever, Naauwpoort, South Africa, 26 April 1900, aged 29 years. Enteric Fever (typhoid) was epidemic during the war and was the cause of death for more British soldiers than enemy combat. The infection is caused by Salmonella typhi, a type of bacteria and is transmitted through contaminated food or water. The epidemic escalated the pressure for the development of a vaccine. Its eventual success is attributed to saving many lives on the Western Front in World War One.
http://www.boer-war.com/Details2nd/Hospitals.html
Trooper Bruce Harold May was the son of Alfred May of May Brothers & Co Founding & Engineering Works. The family’s business was one of the most prominent in the community at the time.
His sister received a letter from Corporal Cockburn detailing her brothers death on 7 September 1901. He stated: "I think it is my duty to write to you and give you the painful facts of Bruce’s death. The brigade were halting for several days, and to kill time a gymkhana was arranged for the day. In the programme was a mounted infantry competition, in which rifles were used. Bruce was one of the spectators.
One team had just returned, and one of the troopers, H. Thompson, of the Sixth Contingent, had still a cartridge in his rifle, which he tried to take out, and in so doing he fired the rifle. He was only five yards away from poor Bruce. The bullet… went through Bruce's left shoulder from the back, passing right through the heart and coming out of his right chest. I believe he was lying on his right side, watching the sports, at the time of the unfortunate affair. His death was without pain, as he never moved a muscle. I went over to see him while in the hospital, and he had a very peaceful appearance on his face. Bruce was a very popular and well spoken of lad, and the affair has caused a gloom throughout the camp. Of course, the sports were at once stopped. Please allow me to express my sincere sympathy with you in your sad bereavement…The grave is to be in a pretty little spot in the bend of the river, under some willow trees.''
In memoriam, a service was held at Todd Street Methodist Church where a choir and the Brass Band (of which he was a member) performed.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4874249
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4855755
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4855398
Evanston Gardens Memorial Hall
Also known as the Gawler Blocks Memorial, this hall is dedicated to those who died in either World War One or World War Two.
In August, 1946, a Gawler Progress Committee was formed to organise the completion of a district hall for the Gawler Blocks. Along with the efforts of enthusiastic school teacher L.M. Webb, and other men and women of the region, sufficient funds were raised to purchase one of the military huts from Sandy Creek. During the Second World War, this town was home to a US military camp and was also a transit location for Australian prisoners of war and civilian enemy aliens - mainly of German, Italian, Japanese descent.
A Gawler district resident, Mr. HW. R. Wiese, a builder and contractor, dismantled and re-erected the hut adjoining the local Gawler Blocks school on land generously donated by Mr. J. Hillier (whom the northern suburb is named after).
The dedication was carried out in the style of a traditional ANZAC Day service with the Ode and a minutes silence. A large audience attended, gathered to remember the fallen.
Together, the people of Gawler Evanston had bound together to take action in establishing this memorial, a true testimony to the power of community spirit and its tradition in Gawler.
http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/fact-sheets/fs107.aspx
http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/snapshots/internment-camps/introduction.aspx
Northern Expressway
On 1 July, 2010, former Premier Mike Rann announced the naming of five bridges over the Fatchen Northern Expressway that would memorialise key battles in 20th century Australian military history: Hamel (WW1), Torbruk (WW2), Kokoda (WW2), Kapyong (Korea), and Long Tan (Vietnam).
Kokoda: Kokoda is one of Australia’s most significant military engagements. Unlike in World War One, or World War Two battles in Africa and the Mediterranean, Kokoda related directly to our national security, aiming to prevent further Japanese advance on Australia as seen during the bombings of Darwin in February 1942. From July 1942, Australians fought over four months in appalling conditions – disease ridden and pushed to physically collapse – to stop the Japanese capture of Port Moresby, Australia’s priMary base in the region. The much famed ‘Kokoda Track’ was the jungle route taken by the troops from Ower’s Corner to Port Moresby, a distance of 40km across rivers, valleys and mountains. Here, Australia’s fought the Japanese with groups of Papua New Guineans dubbed the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angles’ as they guided our troops through the gruelling terrain and carried our injured.
Although the Japanese were defeated, more than 600 Australians were killed and 1680 were wounded
http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/asfaras/kokoda.html
Kapyong: Kapyong is considered the most important battle for Australian troops in the Korean War (1950-1953). The Chinese objective was to capture the city of Seoul (within South Korean and UN Commanded territory). After defeating the South Korean and American troops, the Chinese continued their advance towards the Kapyong valley. Geographically, this area was so large that troops were thinly distributed. However, as the Chinese repeatedly attacked the Australian positions throughout the night and during the following day (April 24, 1951) our troops, alongside New Zealand and Canadian forces, stalled the Chinese advance and inflicted heavy casualties (500 killed alone). For their actions, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment was awarded a US Presidential Citation.
https://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/kapyong/
LONG TAN
Long Tan is the most famed Australian battle during the Decade-long Vietnam War. Having just established the Nui Dat Australian operational base in the centre of Phuoc Tuy, on 17 August 1966, the the Viet Cong (Vietnamese Communists) attacked using mortars and rifles.
The newly arrived Australian forces, who sought control over the Phuoc Tuy province, responded by directing B Company, 6th Battalion and the Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) to patrol from the base to locate the Viet Cong’s firing positions. B Company was succeeded at the task and was then replaced by D Company, 6RAR at midday on 18 August. They were directed to follow cart tracks leading from the Viet Cong firing positions into a rubber plantation towards the abandoned village of Long Tan.
Approximately 4 kilometres to the east of Nui Dat within the plantation, the battle of Long Tan took place. 11 Platoon from D Company encountered a group of Viet Cong. Following a short exchange, the enemy travelled eastwards tailed by 11 Platoon.
To their surprise, the Australians collided with a major concentration of enemy forces. Under heavy fire, 11 Platoon was forced to the ground. 10 Platoon was ordered to assist, but was halted by intense fire before they could provide aid. Reports for support were sent to Nui Dat resulting in the deployment of 12 Platoon. They aimed to reach their troops via a southerly approached, but they too were halted by enemy engagement.
With each platoon in isolated conflict and fighting in stormy conditions, the situation was dire; 11 Platoon had lost over half their men through injury within the first 20 minutes of the exchange.
Artillery fire was utilised against the Viet Cong, operated from Nui Dat and targets informed by Forward Observers from D Company. Soon, US air support was employed. Additionally, two RAAF pilots from 9 Squadron successfully dropped boxes of ammunition down to D Company whose supplies were running scarily low.
B Company, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) of 3 APC Troop (carrying A Company, 6RAR) . attempted to relieve D Company. Although, en route, the APCs encountered a group of Viet Cong, following a brief engagement, they remounted and continued towards Long Tan.
Finally, at 6pm the 13 surviving members from 11 Platoon were able to leave their position and were guided by a smoke grenade to 12 Platoon. Taking advantage of a short-term lull in the fighting, D Company regrouped.
Soon, they were attacked again, but due to some cover their position geographically provided, they were protected from the rifle and machine gun fire which mainly passed safely over their heads. As night fell, D Company was relieved by B Company and the APCs, their 50 calibre heavy machine guns firing through the rubber in an attack of the remaining Viet Cong, forcing their retreat.
The Battle of Long Tan was over. 18 Australians were killed and 24 wounded, the highest loss in a single day during the Vietnam War. Being outnumbered by the Viet Cong, 10 to 1, Long Tan is now remembered as a display of the ANZAC Spirit - bravery, teamwork and endurance.
Lasting from 1899 until1902, this war was fought between the Boers, (Dutch–Afrikaners settlers) and Britain. As New Zealand, Canada, India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) all hadcolonial ties to Britain, they also offered military support. Fought in now South Africa, conflict arose over the gold deposits within the Boer territories,which neighboured the British Cape Colony. Following a British raid on the Boers in 1896 (known as the Jameson Raid) the Boers consequently Declared waron Britain on 11 October, 1899. After over two and a half years of largely guerrilla warfare, Britain was victorious and under the Treaty of Vereeningon 31 March 1902, all Boers became British subjects. However, nine years later, South Africa became a self-governing dominion that was lead largely byformer Boer Generals. Australian’s largely served in mounted units formed within each colony. The vast majority of these men were from colony militias or bushmen contingents privately contracted. Post Federation in 1901, new federal Horse contingents were raised.
It was during the Boer War that evidence of the ANZAC Legend first arises. Australians developed a reputation for their bravery, toughness and cool-headedness.
https://www.awm.gov.au/atwar/boer/
http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/boer-war