NZ’s oldest ANZAC memorial commemorates 100 years

The 14 of July marks 100 years since two Pohutukawa trees were planted in Rata Street, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt in memory of soldiers’ brave deeds in Gallipoli. This is New Zealand’s oldest known ANZAC memorial.

Eastbourne Returned Services Association President Stephen Phillips says, “The Pohutukawa are still flourishing and are an important memorial of the eight men from our Eastern Bays killed in action.”
The day after the memorial trees were planted, the hospital ship Willochra arrived in Wellington harbour, bringing back the first wounded from the battle of Gallipoli. The ship’s arrival is the subject of a famous painting by artist Will Bowring titled The Homecoming from Gallipoli.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace says, “This is an important year of remembrance of those who fought and lost their lives in Gallipoli, and other conflicts. Because this is a living memorial, it is a very moving one, as the trees growth marks the passage of time since the battle of Gallipoli that took such a great toll on our nation.”

A ceremony on the 14 July will mark the anniversary of the planting of the Pohutukawas by then Mayor of Eastbourne Mr JP Kelly and the commissioning of the Eastbourne RSA’s Field of Remembrance, recognising the eight service people from Eastbourne who lost their lives in the Dardanelles campaign. Descendants from two of the soldiers who lost their lives at Gallipoli will be in attendance.

ENDS

© Scoop Media