Lieutenant William John Symons V.C.Print Page 
A Lone Pine tree commemorates Lieutenant William John Symons, a former student of Eaglehawk Primary School, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Battle of Lone Pine in 1915.
William Symons was born at Eaglehawk, Victoria, in 1889. He worked as a commercial traveller and served for eight years in the militia, then enlisted in the AIF in August 1914. Posted as a sergeant, Symons landed with the 7th Battalion on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. He was commissioned second lieutenant the next day, and promoted to lieutenant on 2 July.
In the early hours of 9 August 1915, the Turks made a series of attacks on Jacob`s Trench at Lone Pine. Symons was ordered to retake the trench, knowing he would be lucky to survive. He led a charge, but the enemy continued to attack. With the trench under fire from three sides Symons built a timber barricade. Although the Turks set fire to the woodwork, he extinguished the flames and finally forced the enemy to discontinue their attacks. For his efforts he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Location
| Address: | High & Church Streets, Dr. Catford Memorial Park , Eaglehawk, 3556 |
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| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -36.719861 Long: 144.254919 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Tree |
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| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Military |
| Link: | http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/adbonl… |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Thursday 21st April, 2005 |
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This Lone Pine Tree was dedicated on the
21st April 2005
in memory of
Lieutenant William John Symons VC
1889 -1948
A former student of Eaglehawk Primary School
who was awarded the Victoria Cross
for outstanding bravery, courage and determination
at the battle of Lone Pine, Gallipoli
August 8-9-1915
