We’ve just announced the $145 million Armadale Road dual carriageway project is set to open on Friday.
It was my pleasure to also announce the new four-lane bridge over Nicholson Road will be named in honour of a truly great Western Australian.
It was my pleasure to also announce the new four-lane bridge over Nicholson Road will be named in honour of a truly great Western Australian.
That person is Hugo Throssell VC.
I want to tell you a little bit of his story.
I want to tell you a little bit of his story.
Born in 1884, to George and Annie Throssell, the son of a former Premier was part of a special generation.
A generation that bore heartache and pain of financial depression and world wars.
A generation that bore heartache and pain of financial depression and world wars.
Like many of his peers, Hugo answered the call to arms at the outbreak of the Great War.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the AIF in 1914 – alongside his brother, he joined the 10th Light Horse Regiment.
Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the AIF in 1914 – alongside his brother, he joined the 10th Light Horse Regiment.
At Gallipoli, Hugo Throssell fought at the Battle of the Nek.
Later that month, Lieutenant Throssell and the 10th Light Horse assisted in capturing the tactically important Hill 60.
Later that month, Lieutenant Throssell and the 10th Light Horse assisted in capturing the tactically important Hill 60.
His action at Hill 60 would go on to cement Hugo’s legend and reveal the character of the man.
While fighting - Hugo was wounded.
Twice he was ordered to withdraw and tend to his injuries.
Twice - Hugo didn’t leave.
Twice he was ordered to withdraw and tend to his injuries.
Twice - Hugo didn’t leave.
Wounded alongside his mates, he held the line.
The fight was ferocious and on multiple occasions Hugo collected and returned Turkish bombs which landed in his trench.
When dawn broke – they still held the trench.
The fight was ferocious and on multiple occasions Hugo collected and returned Turkish bombs which landed in his trench.
When dawn broke – they still held the trench.
For his actions that day, Hugo received the Victoria Cross. The first Western Australian recipient of the Great War.
Like many veterans Hugo returned from war deeply affected by his experiences.
Like many veterans Hugo returned from war deeply affected by his experiences.
Today it might have been different.
However in a time when post-traumatic stress was unknown and mental health was clouded in stigma and shame – Hugo suffered in silence.
He struggled in a post-war world.
He experienced significant financial pressures.
However in a time when post-traumatic stress was unknown and mental health was clouded in stigma and shame – Hugo suffered in silence.
He struggled in a post-war world.
He experienced significant financial pressures.
Sadly, believing his family would benefit more from his war pension than his presence – Hugo Throssell took his own life on 19 November 1933.
He was buried with full military honours.
He was buried with full military honours.
For me, Hugo Throssell VC Bridge shall be a small reminder of those who secured our freedom, the cost of their sacrifice and the memory of a great man.
This is for you Hugo.
This is for you Hugo.
