Goldfields War Museum Solves Enigma of Gallipoli Commemorative Coins

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1990, the Australian Government sent a set of $5 gold commemorative coins to surviving service people, including a mystery Goldfields veteran. One of these sets was recently donated to the Goldfields War Museum in Kalgoorlie-Boulder after being discovered at a Hanbury Street residence. The coins depict a soldier in World War I uniform and Pte Simpson with his donkey, and were accompanied by a letter from Prime Minister Bob Hawke. The museum is seeking help from the community to identify the veteran who received the set.

Goldfields War Museum Unravels the Enigma of the Gallipoli Commemorative Coins

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1990, the Australian Government bestowed a pair of commemorative gold coins upon surviving service personnel. Among the recipients was a mystery Goldfields veteran whose identity has remained shrouded in obscurity.

Recently, a historic coin set was unearthed at a Hanbury Street residence in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, igniting hope that the enigmatic veteran's identity could finally be revealed. The intricate coins depict a soldier standing in World War I uniform and the iconic duo of Pte Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier. Accompanying the coins is a commemorative case and a poignant letter from the then Prime Minister, Bob Hawke.

"The waves of nationalism and patriotism which swept Australia as the news arrived from Gallipoli and the battlefields of France are still clearly discernible today," the letter states. "Because of your part in these momentous events which shaped our nation and helped define our national character, you will always hold a special place in the hearts of your fellow Australians."

Tim Cudini, heritage officer for the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, has been diligently pursuing the mystery of the WWI veteran who received this commemorative set. The clue lies in an inscription on the box that reads "Little, Hanbury Street."

"There can't have been too many surviving service people in Kalgoorlie-Boulder at the time (1990)," Cudini explains. "We're hoping that somebody... might remember a person who these medallions may have belonged to."

The museum has identified a WWI veteran who lived on Hanbury Street but passed away in 1986. Cudini speculates that the government may have been unaware of his passing and mistakenly sent the coins to his address in 1990.

Upon completing its investigation, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's heritage team will proudly display the coin set at the Burt Street Museum. Alongside this enigmatic artifact will be the uniform of Royal Australian Air Force pilot Lawrence John Carroll, another recent donation to the museum.

Carroll, born and raised in Kalgoorlie, joined the Australian Army during World War II, later transferring to the Royal Australian Air Force. He trained as a navigator in Canada as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme. His flight logbook, donated along with his uniform, provides a glimpse into his service.

The Goldfields War Museum has witnessed a surge in interest leading up to Anzac Day. "This year marks 110 years since (World War I) started, and it's still very important for people to commemorate Anzac Day," Cudini emphasizes. "It's nice to see the younger generations... taking an interest in actively learning about it as well."

Families visiting the museum often share personal stories of their ancestors' service. "They will look at photos and artefacts and say, 'my great uncle had one of those' or 'my grandfather was there,'" Cudini recounts.

The Gallipoli commemorative coins and the uniform of Lawrence John Carroll serve as tangible reminders of the sacrifices and contributions of Goldfields veterans. Through the museum's dedicated research, the enigma surrounding the mystery veteran may be solved, adding another chapter to the rich tapestry of the region's war history.