(Last Sunday in May and first Sunday in June - Organiser: Reg. A. Watson)
PATRON: Mr Frank Hesman AM. OBE JP.
Heralding remembrance of those Tasmanians who served in South Africa (1899-1902)
7/550 East Derwent Highway Bowen Park. Tas. 7016
62438597 – 0409 975 587
Boer War Memorial, Hobart.
THE BOER WAR COMMEMORATIVE DAY HAS NOW BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT.
"to honour those Tasmanians who served and who died."
The War (1899-1901) has often been termed the ‘forgotten war”. In an attempt to address this sad situation, Tasmanian historian and author, REG. A. WATSON, with help from enthusiasts, such as members of the T17 SSAA Militaria Collectors Tasmania, work to do so.
It should be remembered that nearly 900 Tasmanians (and their horses) served in the South African War, all volunteers, and that nearly 40 of our sons were either killed or died of disease. All, except for two (Privates Cundy and Hodgman), are buried in that far off land.
It was also the war where our nurses served and that they made their way to South Africa and after their service, return to Tasmania at their own expense, without government financial help.
In relation to the number of Australians who served (up to 20,000) and those who died (600+) and the time length of the war, it equates to being the largest conflict Australians have served in, outside the two World Wars.
There are many memorials around the State erected to the memory of those who served. Two impressive ones are situated on the Hobart Domain and in the Launceston City Park.
Ceremonies on the day are held on the first Sunday in June at the beautiful Boer War Memorial on the Hobart Domain (as pictured) and the last Sunday in May, Launceston in the City Park. There is an opportunity for interested parties, family descendants and members of the public to place a wreath or flowers at the monument. In 2013 there will be two services, in Hobart ( first Sunday in June the 3rd) and Launceston ( last Sunday in May ). Services begin promptly at 12 noon.
The 2012 address presented by Reg Watson is available online in pdf format.
Come join us on the next occasion.
Inquire on the numbers listed above.
The philosophy behind the DAY is simple. "It is to honour those Tasmanians who served and who died."
Therefore the aim is to keep it solely for that purpose. There is no committee, no budget and government grants are not sought after, so that the DAY may be truly independent of any influence which may result. All who participate do so voluntarily.
But one of the nearly 40 Tasmanian boys who did not return –
Private Ernest Evan (died – South Africa)