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Inverell Public School Second World War Memorial Trees

Inverell Public School Second World War Memorial Trees
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Inverell Public School Second World War Memorial Trees
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Inverell Public School Second World War Memorial Trees
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Inverell Public School Second World War Memorial Trees
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Inverell Public School Second World War Memorial Trees
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Description / Background

At a meeting of the Inverell Public School Parents and Citizen's Association in June 1951, it was decided to plant trees in the school grounds in memory of ex-students who gave their lives in the Second World War. Thirty trees had been ordered and were expected to arrive that month. An appeal was made to relatives to supply names of the ex-students. On Saturday 16 June, a working bee was to be held to dig holes for the trees (The Inverell Times, 15 June 1951). A further report concerning the project was published in the Inverell Times on 4 July.

The trees were planted on Wednesday, 18 July 1951 and included silky oak, sugar gum, and lemon scented gum. The Times published a detailed report of the ceremony two days later. At that stage, seven names had been received by Headmaster Mr Bofinger: Robert L Burtenshaw, Ronald P Burtenshaw, Donald H Caine, George A Guan, Vincent C Nesbitt, Douglas H Turner, and William R Wicks. It was planned to install plaques inscribed with their names near the trees once they had matured and to have different classes care for the trees.

As at 2021, several trees remain on site; however, there is no evidence of any memorial plaques nearby. 

Veterans listed on this memorial

Veterans listed on this memorial

Last held rank Given name Family name Conflict/s Service No. Service Campaign Read more
Private Robert L Burtenshaw Second World War, 1939–45 NX31923 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Corporal Ronald P Burtenshaw Second World War, 1939–45 NX31922 (269449) Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Lance Sergeant Donald H Caine Second World War, 1939–45 NX40798 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Private George A Guan Second World War, 1939–45 NX30145 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view
Private Vincent C Nesbitt Second World War, 1939–45 NX40390 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Gunner Douglas H Turner Second World War, 1939–45 NX117929 (N168602) Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Flight Sergeant William R Wicks Second World War, 1939–45 420369 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view

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Address
Inverell Public School
22 Wood Street
Inverell NSW 2360
Local Government Area
Inverell Shire
Setting
Garden/park
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Memorial avenue/Memorial tree/Memorial trees
Recorded by
Graham Wilson
Year of construction
1951
Dedication date
18 July 1951
Conflict/s
Second World War, 1939–45