Harefield Anzac Pilgrimage


Photos 19 - 36 out of 49 | Back to Albums
Around the corner from the main complex, something quickly put a smile on my face. Does this not remind you of the facade of Australia's number one surf club? Back into the centre of town, this could be described as the main intersection of Harefield. It's pretty quiet, I guess the whole town is at Sunday mass. A beautiful shot of the countryside, looking out from the top of the Hill (three blocks from the centre of town) across to West Harefield. In the valley, this river is actually forming part of the Grand Union Canal system, and despite that it is the middle of winter, there is still a surprising splash of green everywhere. Imagine how colourful and beautiful this must appear in the summertime? I doubt this scene has changed much since the diggers were taking in the same view nearly 100 years ago.
Here is Harefield Church as one would see it as you drive in from the main road. This is very typical of a lot of old churches scattered around English country towns. There are some very pretty, well maintained examples, while others are sadly in need of some serious maintenance. Harefield is one of the lucky buildings - it has just undergone a wonderful restoration and refurbishment of the chapel. A better shot in the glorious sunshine. The main chapel is in the right two parts of the building, the entrance around the side to the left. Within the church grounds lies the Australian Military Cemetary. This photo is taken from next to the stone archway that is the front gate.
As an official Commonwealth site, this graveyard is carefully maintained and cared for by the War Graves Commission. Some 112 individuals are buried in this Australian Cementary at Harefield. 111 were servicemen, the other was a nursing sister. All died at Harefield Hospital during the course of World War 1. This is the front of the obelisk that stands tall as the Anzac memorial in the centre of the cemetary. "To the glory of God who giveth us the victory and in memory of brave Australian soldiers who after taking part in the Great War now rest in Harefield churchyard"
This is the inscription on the back. "This memorial is erected by Sir Francis Newdegate K.C.M.G. now Governor of Western Australia and formerly of Tasmania Honorary Colonel Eleventh Battalion Commonwealth Military Forces and Charles Arthur Moresby Billyard-Leake Esq of Harefield Park A.D. 1921" And on one side is a stone engraving of the Australian Army logo. A closeup view of the graves with the Australian flag flying proudly in the background.
Sadly, most of the headstones in the graveyard bear a similar story to this one. The age of the average digger would have been around 19 or 20 years young. Elsewhere in the graveyard (not the Australian part) and many of the graves have been turned into colourful displays for Christmas. These two were especially looked after. Other graves remained worn, overgrown and long forgotten. Some dated back around 400-500 years from memory.
A view back to the front stone archway of the cemetary, looking south west. And a view from the south looking north. My standard club cap money shot. Never miss an opportunity!
   
Photos 19 - 36 out of 49 | Back to Albums
Description: Back in 1915, the Australian Auxiliary Hospital was established upon the grounds of Harefield Estate, some 20 miles north-west of central London. Had it not been for a letter I received from my dearest Patron of Cronulla SLSC, Barry Ezzy some nine months ago, this particular fact may have slipped by me unnoticed. However since Barry's father was apparently treated out here during WW1, I soon found myself on a train, heading out to research the Anzac link at Harefield, and meet the Vicar of the local church which is the focal point of possibly one of the finest annual Anzac Day tributes outside of Australia...
Location: England

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