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James Guthrie WestrayPrint Page Print this page

17-December-2012
17-December-2012

Photographs supplied by John Huth

The monument commemorates James Guthrie Westray who was tragically killed while attempting to get help after the Stinson aeroplane crash in 1937. The Westray Memorial Fund was set up for subscriptions to a memorial in recognition for his efforts.

In February 1937, the Stinson airliner left Brisbane bound for Sydney and Lismore, never to return. In crossing the McPherson ranges, above the area now known as the Lamington Plateau, the aeroplane was thrown from the sky by cyclonic winds and crashed into the jungle.

For ten days the wreckage went undetected, during which time three survivors struggled against the elements. Two of these, due to injuries sustained in the crash, were unable to leave the crash site. The third, Jim Westray, in a valiant attempt to fetch help, fell down a waterfall to his death. His grave now lies beside the spot where his body was found.

But for the insight of Bernard O'Reilly, the remaining survivors would also have perished. After careful forethought, O'Reilly realised that the aeroplane must have fallen along one of the ridges that form the Lamington Plateau. With this conviction in mind he set off alone, with no more than a loaf of bread and a bag of onions for food, to locate the Stinson. The success of his journey and his subsequent renown as a bushman is a part of local legend.

Location

Address:Collins Gap, Mount Lindesay Highway, Mount Lindesay, 4287
State:QLD
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -28.33695
Long: 152.70034
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Monument
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Tragedy
Actual Event Start Date:19-February-1937
Actual Event End Date:19-February-1937

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Thursday 25th November, 1937
Front Inscription

In remembrance of a brave young Englishman James Guthrie Westray

For gallantry and sacrifice on February 19th, 1937

A Brisbane to Sydney Air Liner crashed on mountains nearby



 

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