By Tate Papworth
Small, prickly oak trees that grow along the ridges and valleys of the Gallipoli peninsula provided the backdrop to one of the bloodiest conflicts in Australian military history.
The trees intrigued soldiers, several of whom collected acorns throughout the campaign to send back to Australia.
Captain William Lempriere Winter-Cooke’s family planted the acorns at their family home in 1916, one was also planted at Geelong Grammar where Captain Winter-Cooke was schooled.
Today, there are many offspring from these trees across Victoria, including a new addition at the Keilor cenotaph.
Keilor Historical Society president Susan Jennison said it was an honour to be selected as a recipient of one of the oaks.
“How wonderful to look at this tree and think it’s come from Gallipoli 100 years ago,” she said.
“These are traditionally found in schools and we really wanted to bring one into a community area.
“We’re negotiating for a second one, which will be placed in Keilor Cemetery.”
Ms Jennison said an official ceremony to welcome the oak will be held on November 12.
