The Headstone Project

Research has shown that there are many returned First World War veterans who for a variety of reason have ended up in unmarked graves around this country. It is estimated, based on the work carried out so far that the number in Tasmania could be as high as 800. A simple but often time consuming process of record matching is carried out to determine the names and locations of these men. Work at Cornelian Bay Cemetery is nearing completion as has the work at the North Circle Cemetery at New Norfolk and the Ulverstone General Cemetery. Work on those located at the Carr Villa Memorial Park has commenced. Either a simple headstone is installed on an unmarked grave or a plinth on an existing grave where the veteran’s name does not appear on the memorial is then carried out. Where it can be determined that the veteran’s cause of death can be attributed to his war service, the case is then handed over to the Office of Australian War Graves. This work has been made possible through the financial assistance of the Hobart, Glenorchy, Clarence and Kingborough Councils, the State Government through the Centenary of Anzac Community Grants Program, Families and Friends of the First A.I.F, RSL Tasmania, Hobart RSL Sub-branch, the 12/40th Battalion Royal Tasmanian Regiment Association, the Naval, Military and Air Force Club of Tasmania and families of the veterans. The assistance from the business community has also been invaluable particularly that provided by Millingtons Cemeteries, Clennett’s Mitre 10, Cement Australia, Sika Australia to name a few.