Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Inc: Victoria Cross Presentation Coffs Harbour on Albert Jacka VC and Hugo Throssell VC

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Our Committee is raising funds to create a lasting legacy telling the story of Lemnos' link to Gallipoli and Australia's Anzac story. Our projects include the Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial in Albert Park, the publication of a major new historical and pictorial publication and more. To make a donation you can also deposit directly by direct debit into the Committee's bank account: Account Name: Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Inc; Bank: Bendigo Bank; Account No: 188010037; BSB No: 633000; Include your surname in the reference section. For further information on our legacy projects or to make a donation please contact either Lee Tarlamis 0411553009 or Jim Claven 0409402388M

Friday 22 September 2017

Victoria Cross Presentation Coffs Harbour on Albert Jacka VC and Hugo Throssell VC

George Petrou's portrait of Albert Jacka VC.

Last week I gave a presentation in Coffs Harbour on two of Australians who were awarded the highest honour for valour - the Victoria Cross.
This was part of a event showcasing some of Melbourne commemorative artist and Committee member, George Petrou's collection of paintings depicting some of Australia's Victoria Cross winners.
Over 80 people attended the function, with local ex-service personnel among them. The event was held at Coffs Harbour's famous Bunk Gallery - a former WW2 bunker, erected to house a key communications installation vital to the nearby RAAF base. In WW2 one of its commanders was one young Gough Whitlam.
My address recounted the story of how both Albert Jacka and Hugo Throssell came to be awarded their Victoria Crosses for their service at Gallipoli. I placed this in the context of their pre- and post-war lives. Jacka's experience on Lemnos was recounted, along with the tragic post-war experience of both of these brave individuals who both sadly went to early graves, consequences of their wartime experiences.
It was great to address an interested crowd and many approached both myself and George, recounting their family Anzac stories from both WW1 and WW2.
Below are some photos from the event, including photographs of two of George's paintings - one of Neville Howse VC, the famous Boer War veteran and Gallipoli doctor, and the other of Hugo Throssell VC.
Thanks to George Petrou and Findex for the opportunity to take part in this event.
Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee