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Captain Albert Jacka V.C.Print Page Print this page

Albert Jacka : 31-August-2011
Albert Jacka : 31-August-2011

Photographs supplied by Kent Watson / Roger Johnson

The gates at the entrance to the park commemorate local resident, Captain Albert Jacka, Victoria Cross (V.C.), Military Cross (M.C.) and bar obtained during World War One. 

Albert Jacka, VC,MC & Bar(1893 – 1932) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. Jacka was the first Australian to be decorated with the V.C. during World War One, receiving the medal for his actions during the Gallipoli Campaign. He later served on the Western Front and was twice further decorated for his bravery.

Albert Jacka was born on a dairy farm near Winchelsea, in 1893, the fourth of seven children.  His family moved to Wedderburn, Victoria when he was five years old, where he attended the local school before working with his father as a haulage contractor. He was working for the Victorian State Forests Department at Heathcote when the First World War broke out. His career over three years took him along the southern side of the Murray River to Wedderburn, Cohuna, Koondrook, Lake Charm and Heathcote. His work included fencing, fire break clearing and tree planting. Jacka is one of twenty employees shown on the Forests Department Roll of Honour.

 

Location

Address:High & Chapel Streets, Jacka Park, Wedderburn, 3518
State:VIC
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -36.418285
Long: 143.613027
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Gates
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Military
Actual Event Start Date:04-August-1914
Actual Event End Date:28-June-1919

Dedication

Left Side Inscription

1914 - 18

Dedicated to the memory of 

Right Side Inscription

Cpt. Albert Jacka V.C. M.C. & Bar

Source: MA,VMR, ADB
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au