Help us promote Lemnos' link to Anzac - Make a donation now

Our Committee is raising funds to create a lasting legacy telling the story of Lemnos' link to Gallipoli and Australia's Anzac story. Our projects include the Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial in Albert Park, the publication of a major new historical and pictorial publication and more. To make a donation you can also deposit directly by direct debit into the Committee's bank account: Account Name: Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Inc; Bank: Bendigo Bank; Account No: 188010037; BSB No: 633000; Include your surname in the reference section. For further information on our legacy projects or to make a donation please contact either Lee Tarlamis 0411553009 or Jim Claven 0409402388M

Thursday 8 March 2018

Launch of Swinburne/Boroondara James 'Jim' Martin Scholarship

Hawthorn Roll of Honour Book - opened at the page with James Martin, Former Hawthorn Town Hall. Photo Jim Claven 2018

On Wednesday I attended - along with other members of our Committee - the above launch.
The $1,000 scholarship is open to Year 9 Secondary School Students in the Boroondara and has been named in honour of James 'Jim' Martin, at 14 years old the youngest Australian soldier to serve. He was killed by disease contracted on the Gallipoli Peninsula and buried at sea in the waters of the Aegean.
It should be noted that Jim came to Lemnos with the rest of his Battalion on his way to Gallipoli in September 1915. Along the way he survived the tragic attack on his troopship, the Southland.
This scholarship program has been put together really well, and aims to enhance awareness amongst young people of the local stories associated with Australia's Anzac tradition from WW1. It is supported by the "My School Remembers" program.
Students will research the archives and write about a local Boroondaradigger or nurse.
Eventually, this information will be accessible through a mobile application, which will enable anyone using it to follow the story of each of these diggers around the locations connecting them to Boroondaraand beyond. Amazing.
The launch was attended by descendants of Jim Martin, as well as the author of "Soldier Boy", Anthony Hill, the story of Jim Martin.
the launch also include an amazing performance by actors in WW1 uniform, bringing vividly to life the life and tragic death of Jim martin and two other local diggers killed at the later battle of Fromelles in France.
Congratulations to all involved in this worthy project, and to Swinburne and the City of Boroondarafor supporting it.
It would be great if this sort of program could be rolled-out to other communities.
Thank you to George Verginis of the Kew Rotary for inviting us to attend the launch.
Details on the My School Remembers program can be read by clicking here and here.
Details on the scholarship can be read by clicking here.

Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee

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