News of the signing of the Armistice came through to the Goulburn Evening Penny Post via telegram.
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A great cheer rang out in front of the office and elsewhere in the town, there was “the greatest enthusiasm and jubilation,” the newspaper reported.
The commemorations on Remembrance Day, 1918 saw thousands line the procession route, with everyone from school students to Fire Brigade members, Girl Scouts, community groups, the Chamber of Commerce and civic leaders taking part. The bells of Saint Saviour’s rang out at 11am and everyone stopped for two minutes’ silence.
The Goulburn RSL Sub Branch wants to capture just some of that solemnity and joy in this year’s 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. The event will be held at the ‘people’s memorial,’ Rocky Hill, built to honour those who served and died in the campaign.
Sub Branch member and Remembrance Day coordinator Squadron Leader (retired) Mark Collins said researching the 1918 event’s history had been “an eye-opener.”
“Back then, everyone was involved, including the council, the church groups and even the railway guys who tooted their train horns,” he said.
“We want to repeat this so we’re working with Saint Saviour’s to have the bells ringing after 11am and with the Chamber of Commerce to have people standing out the front of their businesses, as they did in 1918.”
The Sub Branch hosted a planning session at the Council Chambers last Wednesday for the commemoration. Due to the low turn-out, Mr Collins is asking for greater community group involvement.
The commemoration could begin as early as 8.30am with the laying of wreaths by groups and individuals. Mr Collins said due to anticipated large numbers, each person would be allocated a time.
The service proper would start at 10.30am, with participation by the Sub Branch, Mayor Bob Kirk, the schools and other groups. A secondary school student will deliver the main address, in keeping with the youth theme.
Limited space at Rocky Hill means buses will likely transport attendees from Park Road. Arrangements are also being made to live-stream the service on the internet for those who can’t attend.
The commemoration will be followed by two minutes’ silence throughout the city. The Sub Branch is proposing closure of Auburn Street between Bradley and Clinton Streets during this time.
“We’re hoping that the surrounding towns and villages will also hold two minutes’ silence at the same time,” Mr Collins said.
Afterwards, Goulburn Mulwaree Council is rededicating the Avenue of Honour, a row of trees planted in Park Road commemorating residents who served in World War One. Eastgrove residents planted a similar one in 1919, a row of 84 gums, many of which haven’t survived.
It’s proposed that Army and Air Cadets will march from Rocky Hill to Eastgrove Primary School, to be met by school and community groups for the walk to the re-dedication near Forbes Street.
The event is close to Sub Branch treasurer Keith Weston’s heart. His relatives were honoured in the original Avenue of Honour.
“The trees were dedicated to those who attended Eastgrove School and those who were residents of Eastgrove at the time of enlistment,” he said.
“Over the years a lot of the trees have died.”
Mayor Bob Kirk resurrected the idea, harnessing research undertaken by former council museum’s officer, Claire Baddeley.
Mr Collins said Remembrance Day this year could assume greater importance than ANZAC Day.
In a mark of homage, some groups will keep vigil at Rocky Hill the night before.
“It’s not just a commemoration but a chance to remember the Goulburn families who lost members very close to the end of the war,” he said.
- A special Facebook page – ‘Goulburn Remembers 1918’ – has been established for the event. People are encouraged to submit memories and photographs. General enquiries about the day can also be made at the Sub-Branch special email address of goulburn.remembers1918@gmail.com