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Evans Head War Cemetery

Evans Head War Cemetery
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Evans Head War Cemetery
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Evans Head War Cemetery
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Evans Head War Cemetery
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Evans Head War Cemetery
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Description / Background

Evans Head War Cemetery is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (C.W.G.C.) site, containing 25 graves of veterans. Each grave is marked with a Commission headstone, inscribed with the veteran's military service details and the emblem of their service branch.

The cemetery is a small grassed area, surrounded by a metal fence. Two brick pillars flank the gate; one bearing a bronze plaque inscribed with the name of the cemetery, the other with the history of the Evans Head Royal Australian Air Force training establishment. Planted throughout the space are native trees and shrubs.  

Additional war graves are also located within the adjacent General Cemetery. 

Commemorative services are held at the cemetery at various times of the year.

Inscription

Plaque 1

Evans Head War Cemetery

Plaque 2

When the Second World War ended in 1945, the total number of Australians serving in the RAAF was 154,511 of whom 137,208 were serving in the South West Pacific theatre. The majority of these aircrew and support personnel were based and trained at a number of airforce training establishments scattered throughout Australia. During the Second War, the RAAF had some 6,200 personnel killed in action.

During the Second World War 1939-45, the No. Bombing and Air Gunnery School and the No. 1 Air Observers School of the Royal Australian Air Force were based in Evans Head. Reconnaissance and patrol duties along the Eastern Australian coastline were also carried out from this station.

The 25 buried within the war cemetery were all airmen of the Royal Australian Air Force. Many of these were killed in air training accidents. There are also 3 RAAF airmen buried in Evans Head General Cemetery. 

Veterans listed on this memorial

Veterans listed on this memorial

Last held rank Given name Family name Conflict/s Service No. Service Campaign Read more
Warrant Officer Edmund James Kiely Ahern Second World War, 1939–45 494758 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view
Leading Aircraftman Neil James Herbert Campbell Second World War, 1939–45 414597 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view
Flight Sergeant Bruce Allan Duckworth Second World War, 1939–45 409394 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view
Leading Aircraftman Roy Cecil Edwards Second World War, 1939–45 440278 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view
Leading Aircraftman William John Ervin Second World War, 1939–45 431474 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view
Sergeant George William Finch Second World War, 1939–45 417171 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view
Leading Aircraftman Dudley Frank Grimsey Second World War, 1939–45 435169 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view
Leading Aircraftman George Herbert Harrison Second World War, 1939–45 433593 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view
Sergeant Gordon Hill Second World War, 1939–45 434747 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view
Flight Lieutenant Arthur George Hodges Second World War, 1939–45 267209 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view

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Address
Cemetery Road
Evans Head NSW 2473
Local Government Area
Richmond Valley Council
Setting
Garden/park
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Other
Recorded by
Graham Wilson
Conflict/s
Second World War, 1939–45