G'day List, Although this is already on the West Wimmera Mail.(WWM), web site, I thought it might be interesting to repeat it, along with the additional information at the bottom, which was extracted from the Australian War Memorial (AWM), web site. On Wednesday August 28 1918, the good people of Booroopki planted an avenue of 35 trees in honour of the fallen and returned soldiers of their little community. Over the years the guards that protected the trees fell into disrepair and rotted away, some of the trees died and the name plates that were attached to the tree guards which identified that particular soldier's tree were lost or rusted away. Thanks to Daryl Povey an additional page has been added to the web site with extra information about the Avenue Of Honour at Booroopki. It can be viewed by clicking on the URL below, there is also a photo that I located in my collection showing 3 of the trees and the guards, it was taken ca 1930 or possibly a little later. http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/booroopki.htm January 18, 1918 Letters from the front Copy of a letter received by Mrs George GARDNER, of Booroopki-- No doubt you have been notified of your dear son being killed in action on the 4th of October, but as officer of his platoon, I am sending these few lines. For the batt'e, your son was in charge of my Lewis gun team and when we advanced he was killed by a shell hitting almost for him. The gun he was carrying was smashed to pieces. Some of the boys of the team went back next day and we buried him on the battlefield. I have made a parcel of the personal effects that were on him but the belt and watch he was carrying were gone. From the time I joined up the Battalion, I had a more than high regard for my Private GARDNER and he was always one of the best of the finest lot of lads I have ever been with. His quiet, honest bearing placed him very high in the estimation of the estimation of the whole company and his own special pals feel his loss very much. Trusting you and yours may be comforted in the knowledge that your boy was called doing his all in the great struggle we are all engaged in, and you will accept our heartfelt sympathy in your trial. I remain very sincerely yours, George DUTTON, C Company, 38th Battalion. Gardner, John Ray (1) Number: 2178 Rank: Private [Pte] Unit: 38th Bn Service: Army Conflict: 1914-1918 Date of Death: 04/10/1917 Place of Death: Passchendael Cause of Death: Memorial Panel: 129 Cemetery or Memorial Details: 29 The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial Belgium Next Of Kin: George Charles Frederick and Frances Gardner Place Of Enlistment: Goroke, VIC Native Place: Booroopki (2) Notes: GARDNER, Pte. John Ray, 2178. 38th Bn. 4th Oct., 1917. Age 23. Son of George Charles Frederick and Frances Gardner, of Fairlands, Goroke, Victoria. Ray GARDNER attended the Morea School near Booroopki. (2) (1) Source: Internet, AWM145 Roll of Honour cards, 1914-1918 War, Army. (2) Source: West Wimmera Mail & Natimuk & Goroke Advertiser, 1918. http://www.awm.gov.au/ Daryl Crabtree Gladstone Qld www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/