Released 25/07/2017
A forgotten piece of Canberra’s history will today be unveiled at an unlikely Molonglo floodplain site, highlighting the Trench Trail said Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman, today.
“One hundred years ago the Duntroon Trench Warfare and Bombing school was set up to train officers, preparing soldiers for what they would encounter on the Western Front.
“The school operated from 1916 to 1918 making today’s opening very timely as we acknowledge various Western Front battle centenaries,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Initial archaeological excavations last year by ANU confirmed that trench lines were still visible under the disturbed surface layers. The site is best protected by it remaining buried, although additional excavations of parts of the system are planned over time.
“An ACT Heritage grant of $28,000 was awarded to the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust which has enabled the public to access the site and through signage, trench markers and a brochure, learn about the ACT’s role in the Great War.
“Whilst there were trench warfare schools in each state, this one was regarded as the best by the Governor-General of the day. The ACT site is on a floodplain, was filled in and forgotten, and escaped development that occurred in all the other schools, making this one a very important relic from a century ago.
“Installation and site development were undertaken by ACT Parks and Conservation Service with assistance from the Green Army.
“It’s fantastic that this piece of history is more prominent now for the Canberra community to appreciate. I would like to thank all those involved in bringing this project to fruition,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases