By CASEY NEILL
SPRINGVALE is now home to a tribute for the state’s Victoria Cross recipients.
The memorial was unveiled at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Sunday 10 November to mark Remembrance Day.
It’s adjacent to the Springvale War Cemetery, the final resting place for 611 service personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) installed the large granite tribute bearing plaques for 39 recipients – including six from Britain who settled in Victoria – and the citation they received.
“His work has always been marked by the greatest coolness and bravery,” one read.
Another said: “By his gallant and determined action he saved a critical situation, prevented many casualties and was mainly, if not entirely, responsible for the final objective being taken.”
Behind five plaques are recipients’ remains. Four were already interred at Springvale while another was at Fawkner, and families gave permission for the relocation.
More than 200 people attended the unveiling, including family members of those honoured.
SMCT’s Gail Erwood said one proud relative present was 93 years old.
“His whole face was just beaming,” she said.
She said the project was a dream of former trust member John Saddington.
“He drove the project, even after he finished his association with the trust,” she said.
“It’s been a huge undertaking.”
