A NEW memorial has been planted and unveiled at a special commemoration held at Tea Gardens Grange on Thursday 6 August.
The memorial holds a small pine sapling, descended from the tree at the infamous Lone Pine, site of the historic battle between the ANZAC forces and Ottoman Turks during WWI.
The date was chosen as it was the 111th anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine, and the commemoration was hosted by the Grange Residents’ Association, with special guests Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair AC and his wife Shirley, and students from Tea Gardens Public School (TGPS).
A commemoration introduction was given by Association President John Lamb, then TGPS Prime Minister Rose Wolfenden and Minister for Special Events Kaitlyn Heeley spoke with a focus on the home-front during WWI.
“The legend goes that ANZAC soldiers brought back pine cones from that battlefield, the seeds from which have been planted in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and many other places, and now we have a lone pine here in Tea Gardens,” Mr Lamb said.
The keynote dedication was delivered by Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair AC, who served in the Royal Australian Navy, and later as 35th Governor of NSW.
“Of my many ANZAC Day addresses (as Governor of NSW), one that stands out was at Lone Pine in 1996, with hundreds of young Aussies there to pay their respects, it sent shivers down my spine,” Mr Sinclair said.
“Lone Pine was a diversionary campaign, to pull Turkish forces away from main Allied attacks happening further north, and the attack began at 5:30pm, to put the sun in the Turks’ eyes, and coincide with other actions.
“Brutal trench warfare ensued, which saw 1200 casualties of the 4000 Australian troops who went in, and the Turks lost even more.
“The ANZACs ended up capturing Lone Pine, and held it for the rest of the Gallipoli campaign, with seven Victoria Crosses ultimately awarded to Australian forces at that battle.”
Mr Sinclair unveiled the new dedication plaque that now sits in front of the new lone pine, just outside the Clubhouse at Tea Gardens Grange.
Local bugler Bill Pool provided the lone trumpet for the Last Post and Rouse, while the Myall Melodians choir led the singing of hymn ‘O Valiant Hearts’, ‘Abide With Me’, and two verses of the national anthem.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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