Mitiamo War Memorial
Glossop and Forrest Streets MITIAMO, LODDON SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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Veterans Description for Public
Mitiamo War Memorial - Veterans Description for Public
The Mitiamo War Memorial, on Glossop and Forrest Streets, was established on 22nd October 1919. The Mitiamo sub-branch of the R.S.L. was very active in the area from the end of the First World War, erecting the memorial in honour of those who went from the Mitiamo district to serve in the First World War. The memorial comprises of a marble female statue symbolising remembrance, erected on a paved cruciform within a park.
Over 80 names were inscribed on the monument; 23 of whom never returned. Commemoration celebrations included a parade of soldiers and the Pyramid Hill Brass Band that left from the railway station grounds at 2.00pm. At the conclusion of the parade, a number of speeches were made, refreshments provided and the evening saw the conducting of a concert. In 2009, two small concrete blocks were added at the entrance to the park, bearing the dates of the Second World War.There is also an individual granite stone which is dedicated to Sergeant Thomas Henry Clarke.
Sergeant Thomas Henry "Harry" Clarke was one of four members of the mainly Queensland 2/9th Battalion killed in action on 21 January 1944 on Shaggy Ridge. Shaggy Ridge is a 6.5 -kilometre-long-razor-backed ridge that is the highest feature in the Finisterre Mountains in north-eastern New Guinea. The ridge was named after Captain Robert "Shaggy Bob" Clampett of the 2/27th Battalion, whose company was the first to reconnoitre its approaches.
In 1943, Shaggy Ridge was the site of main Japanese defensive position blocking access from Ramu Valley to the track and road network that joined it with the north coast. In January 1944, sufficient supplies had arrived for the 18th Brigade, including the 2/9th to force the Japanese off the ridge.
The attack began on 19 January. On 21 January, A Company of the 2/9th attacked a Japanese position named Green Sniper's Pimple, the highest point on Shaggy Ridge. The unexpected direction of these attacks, up slopes the Japanese obviously regarded as almost impassable, allowed the Australians to establish foothold quickly, and it was secured by the end of the day. Their new occupants, however, had to withstand several counter-attacks and persistent and accurate artillery bombardment. Four men were killed, including Sergeant Clarke.
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Mitiamo WWII MemorialVic. War Heritage Inventory
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Serpentine State School Honour Roll (First World War)Vic. War Heritage Inventory
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Terricks South State School Honour Roll (First World War)Vic. War Heritage Inventory
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