How can we not pay homage?

Today, 101 years ago, millions laid down their arms. For many Tasmanian families, tragedy would last long after the war’s end, says Reg Watson

ON November 11 each year, we remember the end of World War I. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month 1918, millions of men around the world laid down their guns. The horrible, horrible conflict was over, at least for another short 20 years.

That was the first Armistice Day. The next year Armistice Day became more formalised, much as we know it today. This event is observed around the world. In Australia most crowds prefer Anzac Day, but observances are nonetheless held throughout the nation, with a dedicated time of silence.

Armistice Day later became known as Remembrance Day or even Poppy Day. World War I ended with an armistice, not a good way to finalise a war. The First Boer War (1880-81) was an armistice, which resulted in the Second Boer War (1899-1902). The Korean War ended the same with continual war footing as a result as was the GermanFrench Armistice of June 1940 which ended with the Germans soon occupying the whole of France. And it was with WWI. In my opinion, WWII was a continuation of the first war. The terrible demands made on a defeated Germany by the Versailles Treaty (worse than the Prussians demanded of the French after their war of 1871), together with American bankers calling in German loans, laid the way for social upheaval in Germany that could only result in a Communist or National Socialist takeover. It was of course the latter.

November 1918 was the time of worldwide rejoicing, at least on the victorious side, but one would suspect many Germans and their allies were relieved it was over and it was time to rebuild their lives and cities.

It was no different in Tasmania. Every little hamlet, village or city, from Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie to the Huon Valley and West and East coasts celebrated with festivities, dancing and music in the streets, school sports and holidays, church thanksgiving services, politicians giving speeches and parades. Then began the building of memorials right around the state to those who served and those who died. Some memorials grand, some small, but every community erected one. Such was the impact on us.

Tasmania’s contribution to the war was enormous when taking into account we were a small community of just under 200,000. Official figures state 13,500 of our men and nurses served overseas, including on the seas and over the skies, of every theatre, Gallipoli, Palestine, Middle East, Western Front, Africa and the Pacific. Official figures show 2320 men died, but it would have been much higher, probably near 3000 taking into account those Tasmanians who served not with Tasmanian units and those who died many years after returning home.

I recall when I was a boy growing up the 1950s and early 1960s how men suffered still from gassing they received in the war. It is probable they died as their result of their war illnesses, but they would not be included in the casualty figures.

There were many outstanding stories of bravery and 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded to Tasmanians during WWI. In the aftermath of the war, many men spent their final days in what were called the asylum, unable to cope physically or mentally. Many sadly decided to end their own lives, an issue that is still a problem with returning veterans. Dealing with this contemporary problem is a massive challenge.

Service people returned, looking for jobs and help. The Repatriation Department was set up in April 1918 with permanent offices in Elizabeth St in Hobart.

The war was a huge challenge for society, with massive demands including supporting troops in the e field with goods and with funds.

Now there were different challenges. A great deal of helping g the returning servicemen, particularly those who returned damaged physically or mentally

(or both), was left up to the families, especially mother and fathers. One can only imagine the e trauma and sadness experienced by families to have their sons return, many shattered by their experience. And in 20 years it was s all repeated.

It was a long time ago now, 100 years, so why should we bother?

How can we not pay homage? They were our brothers and sisters, they were part of the Tasmanian family. Remembrance Day is not highlighting war, although that cannot be fully avoided, but it is more about honouring those who served, those who did not return and those who did. It is a day of reflection and thinking of others and of those foundations which made our country.

Let us end with what was said by Tasmania’s highest ranking soldier of WWI, Major-General Sir John Gellibrand K.C.B. D.S.O: “We have lost so many whose lives promised to play a full and honourable part in carrying out the high ideals of our national motto. Many who survived have returned broken in health and prematurely aged and unfit to take their due share in the work of the community. Others may have fallen into the error of mistaking cause and effect and return without having realising their significance of what they took part in. These three factors carry a weight which cannot be minimised and their effect on our life as a community must be felt for many a long day.

“Our consolation and reward will come when the loyal spirit of cooperation, the disregard of petty motives, the unselfish devotion to a common cause, that characterised the work done throughout the war, became typical of our nation life in peace.” Reg A. Watson is a Hobart historian and author.