By REBECCA BILLS
TWO memorials are set to be unveiled in commemoration of more than 3000 soldiers of the 13th Infantry Brigade arriving at Lilydale 100 year ago.
The troops set up camp on Saturday 7 February 1914 on paddocks of what is now Lillydale Lake for a week long ‘camp of instruction’ with a mock battle at Mount Mary near Coldstream taking place on 13 February 1914.
To mark the centenary of these events, the Rotary Club of Lilydale will be unveiling two memorials – one at Lillydale Lake on Sunday 9 February and the other on Thursday 13 February in Coldstream.
Mount Evelyn RSL secretary Anthony McAleer said although this event is a project of the Rotary Club, the centenary of these events is significant for the RSL as well.
“Having these two unveils is a great way for all of us to launch a whole series of different commemorative events that will acknowledge the centenary of Anzac Day,” he said.
Mr McAleer said the camp area was part of David Mitchell’s Cave Hill Estate in 1914.
“During their time here, the 13th Infantry Brigade undertook company and battalion drill training, musketry practice and undertook route marches around the area,” he said.
“It is believed that the famous aviator Harry Hawker also flew over the camp.”
Mr McAleer said the ceremony at Lillydale Lake has a number of guest speakers with the event kicking off with Sir Monash’s great-grandson Michael Bennett unveiling a commemorative plaque.
“There will also be the unveiling of a storyboard sign that will detail the history of the camp as well as the Australian Great War Association will be there to form a guard of honour,” he said.
“The association is a group of volunteers who dress in WWI attire and will also provide a display and demonstration.
“A fly-over of a biplane in honour of Harry Hawker as well as a display by Mr Hawker’s family will be on show alongside the launch of the history book of the camp by the Mount Evelyn RSL.”
Centenary of Lilydale Militia Camp and Mock Battle in February 1914 event at Lillydale Lake will take place on Saturday 9 February at 2pm.
The second event on Thursday 13 February will be held at 11am on the service road between Coombe Cottage and St Hubert’s Winery, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream.
For more information on the events, visit the Facebook page “Lilydale Militia Camp 1914”.
