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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2017-09-27 Daily Xml
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First World War South Australian Soldiers in France

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (14:30): My question is to the Premier. Premier, how are South Australian soldiers from World War I currently being recognised in northern France?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for the Arts) (14:30): I thank the honourable member for her question. On my recent mission to London and Europe, I visited the Western Front to acknowledge the service of South Australians who fought and died during active service in France. It was an unforgettable time. For those who have never been there, it is a very moving experience to see the endless rows of white tombstones stretching for a very long distance in front of you. It is chilling to see how flat the ground is, and no doubt that accounted for some of the slaughter that occurred in those awful fields.

In fact, 100 years ago today, there was fierce fighting in Belgium with many Australians and many South Australians represented in those forces. The recognition the French provide Australia and Australian soldiers 100 years after the event is very real and very touching. At the Fromelles Museum and VC Corner cemetery, I recognised the enormous amount of work which has gone into identifying the Australian soldiers who were buried in mass graves, unidentified.

In Dernancourt, and at the Adelaide school, I witnessed the strong connection between our communities. The people of Dernancourt have never forgotten the efforts of our soldiers. A total of 450 South Australians were killed defending Dernancourt village, and I pay tribute to those who served and to those in France who remember. In Villers-Bretonneux, I visited the Australian National Memorial before going to the nearby Adelaide Cemetery to participate in a rededication ceremony for one of our own.

Corporal Edward Inglis, from Jamestown, has been buried on this hillside since he was killed in action in 1918. His grave was, until just a few weeks ago, known as the 'Unknown Corporal from the 48th Battalion'. I had the privilege and honour of unveiling a new headstone for Corporal Inglis, nearly a century after his death. His sacrifice will continue to be remembered by the people of France and South Australia.

Further, in the tiny township of Blangy-Tronville, I attended a community gathering to mark the renaming of their local school. Arthur Clifford Stribling was a soldier from Tarlee in South Australia's Mid North. He died on the Western Front on 25 April 1918. The local community of Blangy-Tronville are honouring this sacrifice, renaming their school after Private Stribling. We, in South Australia, are incredibly touched by this remarkable gesture, and I have personally thanked this community for honouring the memory of this brave young soldier.

To acknowledge this, we are planting a eucalyptus tree at the school. The tree will grow tall and strong and serve as a powerful symbol of the fraternity that exists between South Australia and this small French community. The school will be officially renamed the Arthur Clifford Stribling School next April and, wonderfully, in the company of locals and students from Tarlee who will be travelling there with the assistance of a state government grant.

The Mayor of Blangy-Tronville wanted me to pass on a message from his town. He said that if I meet descendants of the South Australian soldiers buried in this town when I get back home to please tell them that their forefathers are forever in their hearts. It is a message I am honoured to deliver. I wish the town and the Tarlee locals who travel there all the very best for next year's event for what will be a moving commemoration of ANZAC Day in 2018.

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