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Tamworth War Cemetery

Tamworth War Cemetery
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Tamworth War Cemetery
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Tamworth War Cemetery, entrance plaque
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Tamworth War Cemetery, history plaque
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Tamworth War Cemetery
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Tamworth War Cemetery
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Description / Background

Tamworth War Cemetery is a small cemetery located on Forest Road in North Tamworth, NSW. It is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (C.W.G.C.) site, containing 28 burials from the Second World War. 

As a CWGC cemetery, each grave is marked with a Commission-designed, upright headstone. Each is inscribed with the veteran's details, including their name, rank, service number, any awards, and the emblem of their service branch.

The grounds are well-maintained and landscaped. Planted between the graves are rosemary bushes and daisies. The whole area is bordered by small shrubs, including box hedges, and several mature trees provide shade. A flagpole is also on site and is used for commemorative services. 

The cemetery is enclosed by a brick fence, with wrought iron panels positioned between the pillars. Attached to the pillars either side of the gate are two bronze plaques. The left plaque gives the name of the cemetery and the right plaque provides a brief outline of the Royal Australian Air Force (R.A.A.F.) during the Second World War and the 6th Elementary Flying Training School that was located in the Tamworth area.  

The school was formed in 1940, as part of the Empire training scheme. The airfield was based in what is now known as the Taminda Industrial area in West Tamworth. The Tamworth Airfield Royal Australian Air Force Second World War Memorial marks the site of the school.

The 102 Australian General Hospital was also based in West Tamworth during the war. Sister Marguerite May Atkinson, a military nurse from the hospital, is buried in this cemetery. The 102 Australian General Hospital Memorial now indicates the site of the hospital. An Army Training Camp was also located nearby. 

Inscription

Entrance plaque 

Tamworth War Cemetery

History plaque

Tamworth War Cemetery

When the Second World War ended in 1945, the total number of Australians serving in the RAAF was 154,511, of whom 137,208 were serving in the South West Pacific Theatre. The majority of these aircrew and support personnel were based and trained at a number of Airforce Training establishments scattered throughout Australia. Some 6,200 RAAF were killed in action.

During the Second War War 1939–1945, the No. 6 Elementary Flying Training School RAAF, was stationed in the Tamworth district. There are 28 war graves contained in this cemetery, comprising 20 Australian Army personnel who died as a result of their service and 8 RAAF. Most of the airmen were killed in air training accidents.

Buried in the general cemetery are 20 Australian soldiers and 6 RAAF airmen. There is also1 First World War burial.

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Address
25 Forest Road
North Tamworth NSW 2340
Local Government Area
Tamworth Regional Council
Setting
Garden/park
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Other
Recorded by
Graham Wilson
Conflict/s
Second World War, 1939–45