Move FM Regional news

Plaque to be unveiled in honour of locals who served in WWI

Nov 1, 2018

LITHGOW, Central West, NSW, Australia – A tribute to local Lithgow residents who served in World War I will be made at this year’s Remembrance Day Ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Park.

At the ceremony, on Sunday week (11 November 2018) at 11:00am a plaque with the names of the 762 residents who served in the war will be unveiled

The new plaque is the project of the Lithgow World War I Commemorative Plaque Project Committee. The research to collate the names was undertaken by Portland man Ian Burrett, whose father Lt Col Joe Burrett DSO (Distinguished Service Order) served in World War I including in the Battle of Lone Pine, at Gallipoli.

The plaque also lists Captain Jack Hamilton VC who, although born in Orange, lived with his parents in Oakey Park during his school years and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic actions in the Battle of Lone Pine, at Gallipoli.  

“I commend the Commemorative Plaque Committee and Ian Burrett for their achievements in bringing this project to completion,” Lithgow City Council Mayor Ray Thompson said Thursday.

“Lithgow was a much smaller town in those days, and there was no conscription, so it is all the more remarkable that so many Lithgow men and women decided to serve their country in such a terrible conflict that claimed the lives of so many. I recognise a number of the family names listed on the plaque so I encourage the community to attend this year’s Remembrance Day Ceremony and to see if their family ancestors are listed there. The list of names will also be available on Lithgow City Council’s website,” the mayor said.

“I have long thought that the Lithgow War Memorial should recognise all those who served in World War One,” Ian Burrett said Thursday.

“It has taken a long time and a lengthy period of research, so I am delighted that we finally get to honour those who gave so much in defence of their country and empire. I also appreciate the support of Lithgow City Council and the Lithgow RSL Sub-Branch in assisting the Commemorative Plaque Project Committee to undertake this project.”

To coincide with the plaque unveiling, Mr Burrett has donated a Lone Pine tree which is a descendant of cones collected from Turkish trenches at Lone Pine by Charles Smith of the 3rd Battalion. The tree has been planted near the Queen Elizabeth Park Cenotaph together with a sign that describes Lithgow’s connection to Lone Pine.

Facebook Comment
top