On a typical 18 April morning, the Trafalgar cemetery was transformed into a moving tribute ahead of Anzac Day, as a band of more than 70 enthusiastic volunteers assembled in the rotunda for a moving working-bee.
In a heartfelt community effort, Trafalgar Public Cemetery Trust and Trafalgar Thorpdale RSL sub-branch, together with a dedicated group of volunteers, proudly erected 288 flags plus a number of poppies in honour of veterans laid to rest in graves or whose ashes are within the cemetery.
This year’s display marks a significant increase from 156 flags in 2025, made possible through the diligent research undertaken by Howard Jones, the cemetery’s secretary, who identified an additional 132 veterans.
Poppies were also carefully place in the ashes section, Garden of Far Horizons, ensuring all who served were respectfully remembered.
We have now identified and recognised a total of 306 veterans laid to rest within the cemetery with 18 of those in the Garden of Far Horizons. Included in that number are seven women, two doctors and 96 World War 1 veterans – a remarkable legacy of service within our community.
Sadly, there remain 11 unmarked graves, reminder of the work still to be done to ensure every grave is properly acknowledged.
On a positive note, Commonwealth War Graves grants have been approved for three of the World War 1 veterans:
Joseph Walter Hulley, who enlisted at age 35
Charles Jacob Brache who enlisted aged 25
James Thomas Speakman, who enlisted at aged 23 and later serviced in the Citizens Military Forces during World War II.
Each step brings us closer to ensuring every veteran is recognised and remembered with the dignity they deserve.
At the conclusion of the flag installation, a morning tea was held in the rotunda to thank all those who volunteered their time and effort erecting poles, attaching flags, placing poppies and assisting with the morning tea.
It was truly an outstanding effort.
A big thank you to Jim Crowe and Paul Altamore, the president and secretary respectively of Trafalgar Thorpdale RSL for their ongoing support.
This significant visual tribute provides a meaningful benefit to families and the wider community, acknowledging and celebrating the remarkable service and sacrifice of those who served during times of war.
It also offers a special opportunity for family, friends, young people and the general public to visit, explore, and reflect on rich history.
Visitors are invited to experience the spectacular scene of flags gently blowing in the breeze across the hillside, alongside the beautiful gardens of poppies – a powerful and moving tribute.
The flags flew from 18 April to 2 May.
Lest We Forget.
(Editor: An article and photos of Trafalgar and Thorpdale’s Anzac Day commemorations will appear in our June edition)
*Robyn is a co-chair of Trafalgar Cemetery Trust
