Quiet dedication to his nation in war and peace

Jack Behan made a difference to his community, says Andrea Gerrard

PICTURES of our Past included an image of Strand Theatre manager Jack Behan watching on as then Lord Mayor of Hobart Alderman Soundy made a donation to the Australian Comforts Fund ( Mercury, September 13).

John Behan, or Jack Behan as he was known, was a tireless worker during the Second World War promoting charitable and wartime drives. He was also well known in local sporting circles. When Jack Behan left Hobart in late 1942 to become manager of Greater Union Theatres in Sydney, he was given a farewell luncheon at the Highfield Hotel by the Chamber of Commerce. A farewell social as held with presentations on behalf of theatre staff and a local radio station.

While Jack Behan did not put on a uniform again, he had served his country in both the first and second world wars. He was a soldier in World War I and later used his position as manager of the Strand Theatre to raise funds and provide entertainment for the city’s poorest children.

In 1917, Jack was a 21-yearold single packer living in Brisbane. His father Patrick Joseph had enlisted and was serving overseas. On volunteering, he stated he had spent four years in the senior cadets then eight months with the District Guard at Brisbane.

This was not Jack’s first attempt at enlisting having been rejected because of the discovery of a hernia, but with a father on active service, he may have felt compelled to try again, succeeding on his second attempt when volunteers were fewer.

While it would appear that during his period of military service he was neither wounded nor ill, his service would impact on his later life. Following his discharge from the Army, Jack Behan worked for Greater Union Theatres and was appointed manager at the Strand Theatre, a position he held for six years.

Jack returned to Hobart in mid-1947 taking up an appointment as manager of the Continental, owned by the Hobart Branch of the Australian Legion of Exservicemen and Women.

Sadly later in life, Jack was admitted to hospital at New Norfolk suffering from what would now be called posttraumatic stress syndrome. He passed away there on August 10, 1963, aged 66.

Jack did not have children, however he and his wife raised his niece Joan Brewster who married Roy Dobson of Hobart. Joan only survived him by three weeks, leaving Roy and three children to mourn the loss of their mother and a much loved uncle.

Jack was buried at Cornelian Bay Cemetery. For many years his grave went unmarked until his great nephew Steve Dobson approached The Headstone Project asking for assistance in providing a suitable headstone and plaque. It was only whilst researching Jack’s story that much of his involvement in charitable works came out.

Jack’s story is not unusual. More than 300 Tasmanians have been discovered in unmarked graves at Cornelian Bay Cemetery alone. It is estimated there are at least 500 statewide. Thirteen more have been found at Ulverstone General Cemetery through the work of the local RSL.

The Headstone Project was established with the sole purpose of ensuring all our World War I veterans have their last resting place suitably marked.

Tomorrow more plaques will be unveiled at a service in the Wellington Chapel, Cornelian Bay Cemetery. These include: Private Sydney Albert Cowen, Sapper Joseph Taylor, Gunner Hyla Joseph Upchurch, Private Joseph Charles Butler, Private Harry Inman Luckman, Private Horace James Williams MM, Private Robert Alexander McArthur, Gunner James Patrick Flanagan, Private Cyril William Groves-Wilson, Gunner Edward Tasman Butters, Private Edward Bentley Williams, Private Francis William Driver, Lance Corporal James Vivian Gladstone Mansell, Private Sydney Hedley Mansfield, Lance Corporal Archibald Horace Anderson, Private Robert James Wrathall, Private Edwin Ernest John Jolly, Private Francis Douglas Jamieson, Captain Tasman James Horler, Private Frederick William Kupsch, Gunner Norman Crooks Hales, Gunner Arthur Albert Cordwell, Private Thomas Henry Stinten, Private Rupert Joseph McDermott and Driver Douglas Alderton Crawford.