HO91 - CJ Melrose Memorial Cairn
398-446 Clarkes Rd BROOKFIELD, Melton Shire
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Statement of Significance
The reconstructed 'Jimmy Melrose Memorial Cairn', at 398-446 Clarkes Road Brookfield (opposite the Melrose Memorial Reserve) is significant as a simple vernacular memorial to the famous young Australian aviator who was killed in an air-crash on this site in July 1936. Originally built by the scout group soon after the fatal crash, in 1976 the deteriorated fieldstone cairn was reconstructed by the Melton and District Historical Society to mark the fortieth anniversary of Melrose's death. It is built of the same materials, of the same proportions, and in the same place as the original.
The reconstructed 'Jimmy Melrose Memorial Cairn' is historically significant at the LOCAL level (AHC A4, H1). It is a monument to Charles James Melrose, a famous Australian pioneer aviator, who attracted international attention in the great London to Melbourne Centenary Air Race of 1934 as the youngest pilot, the only solo pilot, and the only Australian pilot to finish the race. In an age in which aviation feats generated huge public interest, Melrose was universally admired for his modesty and pleasant bearing as well as for his achievements. After his death he was held up as a model for youth, and the construction of the original cairn by a Scout group is a testament to the admiration of youth for an Australian aviation hero.
The reconstructed 'Jimmy Melrose Memorial Cairn' is socially significant at the LOCAL level (AHC G1). It demonstrates the continuing respect of the Melton community for Melrose, first demonstrated by the rudimentary cairn improvised by locals at the time of the crash.
Overall, the reconstructed 'Jimmy Melrose Memorial Cairn' is of LOCAL significance.
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HO91 - CJ Melrose Memorial Cairn - Physical Description 1
Physical Description -
The memorial cairn is situated on amongst scrub and trees the east bank of the Arnold Creek. It marks the place at which the body of Melrose was found. It is presently difficult to locate and access. It consists of a mortared pile of volcanic fieldstone set on a concrete base and rising to approximately 1 metre high, on which is situated a metal plaque which reads:
'Memorial Cairn
Restored 1976 by Melton Historical Society to
Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Death
of the Noted Aviator
CHARLES JAMES (Jimmy) MELROSE
22 years of Glenelg S.A. who with his
passenger Alexander Campbell crashed
here on a flight to Adelaide on July 5th 1936.'
There is an interpretation plaque prominently situated in the 'CJ (Jimmy) Melrose Memorial Reserve' - a publicly accessible active recreation area on the opposite side of the creek - which gives a brief illustrated history of the aviator.HO91 - CJ Melrose Memorial Cairn - Historical Australian Themes
Melton Historical Themes: 'Aviation - Communication'; 'Community'
HO91 - CJ Melrose Memorial Cairn - Integrity
Integrity - Substantially Intact
HO91 - CJ Melrose Memorial Cairn - Physical Conditions
Physical Condition - Good
Heritage Study and Grading
Melton - Shire of Melton Heritage Study phase 2
Author: David Maloney, David Rowe, Pamela Jellie, Sera Jane Peters
Year: 2007
Grading:
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HO91 - CJ Melrose Memorial CairnMelton City
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Jimmy Melrose CairnNational Trust
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