Local soldiers to be remembered in Battle of Polygon Wood Ceremony thi

Published on 21 September 2017

This Sunday, 24 September, the Rockhampton community will unite to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Polygon Wood and remember local soldiers with an official commemorative service and tree planting ceremony.

Mayor of Rockhampton Region Margaret Strelow said she was pleased that local communities continue to recognise the sacrifices of local servicemen and servicewomen, particularly during the centenary of the First World War.

“It might truly be said that the Australian role in Polygon Wood showed the world a hint of what our small but proud nation was capable of contributing, and it should be a source of pride for the people of Rockhampton that our best were among their best.

“While the Battle of Polygon Wood was a victory, it is important that we gather to remember their sacrifice and to reflect on the continuing debt that our nation owes to successive generations of men and women in uniform, including those who train right here at Shoalwater Bay before deploying in the service of Australia overseas,” Mayor Strelow said.

The Battle of Polygon Wood took place during the Third Battle of Ypres, in a polygon-shaped plantation forest in Belgium on 26 September, 1917.

The battle began with extended artillery fire with the Australian troops, primarily from the 15th Brigade at the forefront of the battle. History tells that the Australian soldiers, including soldiers from Rockhampton, demonstrated the spirit of valour, mateship, and coolness under fire.

Capturing this heavily-shelled forest – which was defended by dozens of fortified German bunkers – was a significant victory for the Australians and greatly contributed to the Allied Force’s advance on the Western Front. Sadly, their success during the campaign came at a cost of more than 5,700 Australians casualties.

Rockhampton Regional Council is proud to work in conjunction with the Anzac Centenary Coordination Unit to commemorate the Australian involvement in the Battle of Polygon Wood.

Sunday’s commemorative ceremony will be held at 10:30am at the War Memorial, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

For more information on the Queensland Anzac Centenary, visit www.qld.gov.au/anzac100 or www.facebook.com.au/anzaccentenaryqld