This was a moving visit this morning but rather shorter than I would have liked. Since returning I have had an opportunity to research the history behind this memorial. It is a story of the determination of a local community to never forget the sacrifice that seven local men gave to the ANZACS in World War I.
The description that follows is from:
"LEGERWOOD, a tiny hamlet near Ringarooma, had not even been named in 1914 when the call went out for young men to join the Anzacs to fight in World War I. But from this relatively unknown community, the able-bodied fathers, husbands and sons bravely stepped forward to answer the call. Seven of these men did not return.
On 15 October 1918, family and friends of those fallen planted nine trees – one for each man, one for Gallipoli and one for the Anzacs – determined never to let them be forgotten.
Legerwood was officially named in 1936, and gradually the memorials grew, and the wartime residents moved on… until the reason the trees were planted remained known by just a few of the locals.
Time takes its toll, and in 1999 the trees were declared a safety risk and the memorial appeared destined to be lost forever. But, in the spirit in which the trees had been planted so many years before, the tiny but determined community rallied and enlisted the talents of skilled Tasmanian chainsaw carver, Eddie Freeman, to bring the soldiers back to life in sculpture. Extensive research relating to the men's stories and photographs has ensured the carvings are as authentic as possible.
Legerwood now has a lasting tribute to their fallen heroes, flanked by a Weymouth Pine at either end. It is situated in the Main Street, with gently rolling parkland, picnic area and BBQs, together with souvenirs and friendly volunteers in a restored Train Carriage. Take time out to stop and contemplate the stories of those represented in the carvings.
Now, if you ask a local about John McDougall, Alan Andrews, Thomas Edwards, William Hyde, Robert Jenkins, George Peddle or John Risely, they will point to their war heroes, standing tall in the Main Street."
With the help of the descriptions below, taken from the above website I have aligned the tributes to my photos (See photo captions) of the carvings. Since I have more than one photo of the larger tree carvings, I am going to split the photos and tributes between this and my next post.
NB If you click on any of the photos in the post the system will enable larger versions of the photos for you to scroll through. When you are done just click again to revert to the normal view.
Private Alan Robert Andrews – died in France on July 25th, 1916 aged 19 years: Alan Andrews was the first soldier born and raised in the area to give his life. A farmhand on his family's farm. Private Andrews is depicted with his dog, hat in hand, seemingly waving goodbye to his loved ones.
Private Thomas Edward Edwards – died on February 19th, 1918 and was buried in Belgium: At the highest point of what remains of a giant American Sequoia, Thomas Edwards stands with his wife in their final embrace before he sets off to war. Surrounding them are the harrowing scenes of battle mixed with the joy of family welcoming home returned servicemen.
On one limb sits a man with bandaged eyes, suffering from the effects of mustard gas while next to him lies a soldier with a mirror box looking out over the trenches.
Further around the tree a little boy waves farewell as a smiling daughter sits on her grandfather's shoulders, welcoming her father home.
Private William Henry Hyde – died aged 27 years. In France on July 7th, 1916: Shouldering his lumber, sawmill in hand William Hyde stands next to a saw blade representing an industry that was – and still is – part of the life-blood of the community.
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