In the middle of Kurri’s Rotary Park there now stands a plaque dedicated to the Hunter Valley men of the Australian tunnelling companies who were involved in one of the largest mining operations of World War 1, famously known as Hill 60.
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Given that a movie was made about this particular operation, many people know the story behind one the biggest explosions of the First World War.
However, the new plaque also offers a local aspect and acknowledges the 18 Hunter Valley men killed in action, four of whom were from the Kurri and Weston areas.
Roger Quarry, the media officer for the Kurri Kurri RSL Sub Branch, was happy to see the plaque installed on Friday, April 11.
“Hill 60 is an important part of World War 1 and it’s unfortunate that quite often battles are forgotten in the face of the greater dedication of Anzac Day,” Mr. Quarry said.
“So when the miners were tunnelling in Hill 60 on the front line, they had to be silent because the Germans were mining virtually next to them.
“They then had to ensure that their materials were disposed of secretly, to not tip off the Germans as to how much digging they were doing.
“This plaque will help in keeping the story available to future generations so children know what happened and why – we want to keep the memories of those past heroes alive.”
June 7 this year will mark the 98th anniversary of the detonation of 53,500 pounds of explosives under Hill 60 in Belgium.
The explosion, set-off simultaneously with 21 others, was designed to destroy German lines across a nine kilometre front and was reportedly so loud it was even heard in London.
Mr. Quarry, a former coal miner himself, also said that when soldiers returned from the war they often referred to the area that is now home to Kurri High School as Hill 60, because of its resemblance to the Belgium site.
Along with the plaque at Rotary Park, there are also plans to install a second sign at the school to explain the ‘unofficial’ name.
A third sign will also be placed at the entrance to Loxford, marking what was originally established as a soldier’s settlement for returned servicemen.
Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said that the plaque represents a significant chapter of history.
“It’s important that we value our local history, and I believe that memorials like this Hill 60 plaque help educate people and maintain the story of past battles that are significant to us all,” he said.
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Details of Anzac Day services being held across Cessnock City can be found here.
