Honoring Lemnos and the service of Nurse Clarice Daley and Sergeant Ernest Lawrence - St Kilda Cemetery 14th January 2018

The assembly paying tribute at the grave of Nurse Clarice Daley and Sergeant Ernest Lawrence, St Kilda Cemetery. Photo Vicky Kyritsis 2018

Today our Committee gathered at the grave of Nurse Clarice Daley and Sergeant Ernest Lawrence for our annual tribute to their service on Lemnos in 1915.
Members of the Committee were joined by Mr Glen Chapman from the Daley-Lawrence family. Also present was Mr Stelios Lakis Kayalicos of the Lemnian Community of Victoria.
Again we held a short wreath-laying service.
Mr Glen Chapman layed the floral tribute on behalf of the assembly and made a short address. He spoke of the Clarice and Ernest, their continuing legacy for their family and his appreciation for our Committee's work in recognising both the role of Lemnos and in holding this annual tribute.

Mr Glenn Chapman at the grave of his great grandparents. Photo Jim Claven 2018

Our President, Mr Lee Tarlamis, and myself also delivering short addresses.These noted the service of Clarice and Ernest, particularly their time on Lemnos during the Gallipoli campaign and their marriage on the Island. Their service was cited as symbolizing the experience of the tens of thousands of Anzac and other Allied soldiers, nurses and other personnel on Lemnos - whether as a place where they prepared for battle, where they returned for rest or care in the field hospitals established there, and as the place to which they were evacuated following the end of the campaign. They also highlight the thousands of personal stories connecting Australian descendants of diggers and nurses - including for example Lee's family - to Lemnos.

The marriage of Clarice and Ernest on Lemnos 1915. Photo AWM

The marriage of Clarice and Ernest also symbolised the positive experience of Lemnos for many soldiers and nurses, as they traversed the Island welcomed by the hospitable Islanders to whom the Allies also provided much needed medical care.
This is the second time that we have held a tribute at the grave of Clarice and Ernest. We believe that it is important that we take the opportunity to honour the service of Clarice and Ernest and their unique Lemnos story. We hope that our tribute will stimulate greater recognition of the role of Lemnos. And given that their graves reside in the the City of Port Phillip - the location of Australia's first Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial - we hope to spark greater interest and awareness by the City and the Cemetery Trust.

Members of the Committee at the grave of Albert Jacka, St Kilda Cemetery. Photo Vicky Kyritsis 2018

Our tribute followed the annual Albert Jacka Memorial Service held at his grave in St Kilda Cemetery. Our President, Mr Lee Tarlamis, again layed a wreath at Albert Jacka's grave as part of this annual service. Along with other members of our Committee, our Committee Patron Mr Lambis Englezos and Committee member Mr George Petrou also attended this event.

Part of the Albert Jacka Memorial Service, St Kilda Cemetery 2018

Thanks to all who were able to attend our tribute at the Daley-Lawrence grave today - Mr Lee Tarlamis, Mr Glen Chapman, Mr Stelios Lakis Kayalicos, Mr Malcolm McDonald, Mr Bill McDonald and Ms Vicky Kyritsis.
And to Cr Bernadene Voss, Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Mr Michael Danby, MP for Melbourne Ports, Committee Vice-President Christina Despoteris and Committee member Mr John Salpigtidis for their apologies for today.
Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee