Invitation to Albert Jacka Commemoration - St Kilda Cemetery 2.30pm Sunday 17th January 2016

Albert Jacka, VC, MC and Bar

Every year the City of Port Phillip commemorate the service of Albert Jacka, VC, MC and Bar - the first Australian soldier to win a Victoria Cross in the First World and a former Mayor of St Kilda on his return to Australia.
The commemorative service is held on the anniversary of his death. He died on the 17th January 1932. This years event will be the 83rd anniversary of his death.
This years event will take place at 2.30pm on Sunday 17th January 2016 at St Kilda Cemetery Dandenong Road, St Kilda East. A map of the location can be seen by clicking here.
You are all welcome to attend.
Jacka and Lemnos
For the story of Jacka's link to Lemnos go to our previous post by clicking here.
An interesting fact is that not far from Albert Jacka's grave at St Kilda Cemetery is the joint grave of former Anzac Nurse Clarice Daley and Sergeant Ernest Lawrence - who both also served on Lemnos in 1915.

Albert Jacka's grave, St Kilda Cemetery. Jim Claven 2015.

Albert Jacka - Interesting facts on Jacka’s service and life:

• Jacka served on Lemnos in 1915 during the Gallipoli campaign, being famously photographed there.
• He arrived there in April and returned on a number of occasions due to illness and finally came to the Island after the evacuation of the peninsula.
• While on Lemnos recuperating from illness, Jacka was paraded before military dignitaries.
• During one of his illnesses, Jacka was cared for by the Australian nurses of the 2nd Australian Stationary Hospital on Lemnos.
• One of Jacka's comrades was Ernie Hill who would return to Australia and successfully fight for the naming of the new soldier settlement outside of Shepparton as "Lemnos".
• He was the first Australian to be awarded the Victoria Cross in WWI for his actions on 19 May, 1915, three weeks after arriving at Gallipoli. A massive Turkish offensive to drive the Australian and New Zealand forces off their positions was launched. During this fight a selection of Australian trenches was occupied by the enemy. Jacka organised a party of men to fire on the Turks while he outflanked them. His Victoria Cross citation states that “Jacka at once most gallantly attacked them single-handed and killed the whole party, five by rifle fire and two by the bayonet”.
• Jacka continued to fight with gallantry and distinction and was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at Pozieres on 7 August, 1916 and received a bar to his MC for bravery at Bullecourt on 8 April, 1917.
• After being elected as a St Kilda City Councillor in 1929, Jacka fought for his constituents, especially the unemployed, with the same determination he’d shown as a soldier. During his term as Mayor in 1930, Jacka continued to show unwavering support of the needy, who were so deeply affected by the Depression.
• On 20 January, Jacka was buried with full military honours at St Kilda Cemetery. The ceremony was broadcast on radio and up to 50,000 residents lined the streets to pay their respects.”
• Jacka Boulevard in St Kilda and the suburb of Jacka in Canberra are both named in his honour.

Albert Jacka on Lemnos, 1915. AWM

For the media release on last years service, click here.
For a media report on last years service, click here.
Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee