It is often said memories of war are carved into the mind, but in the North East town of Legerwood they are quite literally carved in wood.
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At the outbreak of World War I, the small settlement of Legerwood was not even a point on the map, it wasn’t until 1936 that it was officially named.
But the townsfolk, like their fellow countrymen from across Australia, responded to the call of their country and the able-bodied men of the town enlisted for the war.
In a war that took such a heavy toll on life it was inevitable that there would be some losses even in this small community.
Of those Legerwood men who served seven never returned to the green rolling hills of north east Tasmania.
On October 15, 1918 a tree for each fallen soldier was planted along the main street.
As each name was called a family member of the soldier came forward and held the tree before it was placed into the ground.
The trees stood tall in memory of the bravery of those seven who lost their lives in the Great War through the marching years of time.
But, time would take its toll and in 2001 the trees were deemed a safety risk and listed for felling.
The community rallied for the important symbolism the trees held, however and in 2004 Tasmanian chainsaw carver Eddie Freeman, of Ross, was contracted to transform the stumps of the trees into the statues that stand today.
Mr Freeman brought life back into the memories, carving the likeness of the fallen Legerwood soldiers and scenes from the battlefield.
In 2014 Mr Freeman returned to Legerwood to perform some maintenance on the carvings, removing some dry rot and re-coating the statues.
The statues are now a draw for tourists, and have even been visited by television presenter and historian Sir Tony Robinson, who was impressed by the commemorative display.
The fallen soldiers of Legerwood
Private Thomas Edward Edwards is depicted in a final embrace with his wife.
Private Alan Robert Andrews, a farm hand on his family’s North East farm is remembered cap in hand, with his dog at his side waving farewell to the town he would never see again.
Private William Henry Hyde, with sawmill and lumber at hand remains a memory.
Private Robert James Jenkins was known in the region for his voice, touring towns as a tenor. Migrated from England he was engaged to his love shortly before he left for war.
Private George Peddle, the son of local furniture maker is remembered as a bushman, bullock driver and manager.
Private John Henry Gregg McDougall is easily recognisable holding signalling flags in the scene. He was a porter at the railway station before enlisting as a soldier.
Lance Corporal John Charles Earnest Riseley is shown in his soldier uniform. He was wounded by a bomb and died three to four days later from his wounds.
