Mother’s pain doubled

AMONG the many memories on the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue are the stories of more than 20 sets of brothers who lost their lives in World War I.

Vernon and Rupert Wickins were two of the eight children of Mary and Vernon Wickins, of Wellington St, North Hobart. The boys attended the Elizabeth St Practising School (now Elizabeth College) and were keen runners and members of the Hobart Harriers.

Vernon, the eldest, worked as a clerk and porter with the Tasmanian Government Railways, while Rupert was a clerk with Tattersalls. By 1914, Vernon had married but Rupert was single.

Rupert enlisted in August 1914 and left Australia that October, while Vernon joined up in February 1915 and left in April. Both went to Gallipoli, and Rupert served from the landing on April 25 right through the campaign. He was promoted to lance corporal in December 1915.

Vern, also a lance corporal, was killed in action near Hill 60 on August 8, 1915, and his body was never recovered.

After the evacuation from Gallipoli, Rupert was transferred to France and was killed near Boursies, France, on April 8, 1917. He was buried by a road near where he fell.

Lieutenant-Colonel R. A. Rafferty wrote to the Wickins’ mother in Hobart: “You have sent out four sons - you should, indeed, be a proud mother. Your sorrow must be great but think of the cause for which your boys have given of their best.”

Vernon and Rupert Wickins are remembered at trees 32 and 222 respectively, on the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue, as well as honour boards at the Hobart Town Hall, Elizabeth College and Holy Trinity Church.