About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breath taking view. Its a distraction for the weary traveller, but anyone else can go and find it too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website
About Woronora Cemetery Station
Note: You do not have to look at the shelter shed nearby. You do not need to walk close to any graves. Please be respectful of visitors to the cemetery.
In the early 19th Century, trains were used as funeral transport to Rookwood, Woronora and Sandgate (Newcastle) Cemeteries.
Funeral trains operated on the Illawarra Line from 1900 to a dedicated station within Woronora Cemetery at Sutherland. These trains used the platforms at Sydney Terminal Station rather than Mortuary Station and were available to general commuters.
The Woronora Cemetery branch was a short line opened in 1900, extending from the main line just to the south of Sutherland Station. It crossed over East Parade near the junction of Linden Street and continued curving around to the north west where it finished at the station. It was 740 metres in length.
With the rise of the motor car, funeral trains declined and were eventually ended. The line was never electrified, and in its final years’ service was provided by a CPH rail motor. The line was closed in 1947.
No trace remains today of the branch. Source
This is one of only two known photographs of the Woronora Cemetery railway. The train stands at the platform in the background, while widow and child mourn their dear departed. The small station building is just visible in the centre of the photograph. -Sutherland Shire Libraries
You can find more about Sandgate Cemetery Railway line (Newcastle) and Woronora Cemetery line in the Transport Heritage NSW Magazine, Autumn 2019.
You might visit the graves of two soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest award for bravery for members of the armed services.
William Matthew Currey 1895-1948. Private Currey was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the Australian attack at Péronne on September 1, 1918.
Currey was cremated and his ashes interred in the Columbarium, Panel C, position 15
John Patrick Hamilton 1896 – 1961. On the morning of August 9, 1915, during the Battle of Lone Pine Gallipoli, the Turks launched an attack with intense rifle and machine-gun fire. Near Sasse's Sap the 3rd Battalion was ordered to counter-attacked and drive back the Turkish soldiers. Private Hamilton with a few comrades went out of the trenches to fire on the enemy advancing along the sap. Exposed to intense fire and protected only by a few sandbags, Private Hamilton lay out in the open for six hours telling those in the trenches where to throw their bombs while he was under constant enemy fire and the assault was halted. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He also fought in World War II. He is buried in the Church of England Section 8, Grave 518.
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