100th Anniversary of the ArmisticePrint Page

The pecan nut tree commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice. 

The Armistice of Compiègne between the Allies and Germany came into effect at 11am on 11 November 1918. The Armistice paved the way for the signing of a formal peace treaty, the Treaty of Versailles, and the end of the war six months later. It marked a victory for the Allies and a defeat for Germany, although not formally a surrender.

Although the Armistice ended the fighting on the Western Front, fighting continued up to 11 o'clock, with 2,738 men dying on the last day of the war. 

Tree planted in John Tucker Park to mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice

The end of The Great War was a time of jubilation and celebration. The Western World had been through five years of devastating war, deprivation and misery. The impact went to all corners of the earth, especially countries which formed part of the British Empire.

The Paterson District lost some of its finest young men, others returned home broken, never to reach their full potential in life. Of the 54 who enlisted, 18 did not return so local families paid a high price in what was supposed to be the war to end all wars.

“We know that celebrations were held in Paterson, in fact the bell at the Presbyterian Church was rung so much it cracked,” said Dr Cameron Archer, President of the Paterson Historical Society.

“To mark the ending of the Great War local farmer and historian John Tucker planted a Pecan nut tree in the corner of his farm. “This now abuts Tucker Park. Its existence is drawn to the attention of those who take the annual Paterson Historic Walk. “Some years ago, a local resident propagated a nut from the tree and grew to become a very healthy young tree. “It was offered to the Paterson Historical Society to plant in John Tucker Park to mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.”

The tree was planted at 3pm on Armistice Day by John Casey of the Gresford RSL Sub-branch witnessed by around 30 local people some of whose families lost members in The Great War.

Following the planting Mr Casey addressed the gathering and then Dr  Archer read read out a list of all those who enlisted from Paterson, Vacy and Martins Creek noting those who lost their lives.
Dungog Chronicle (NSW), November 13 2018.

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