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HO91 - CJ Melrose Memorial Cairn

Other Names

Jimmy Melrose Memorial Cairn , 398-446 Clarkes Rd, Brookfield (East bank of Arnold Creek, opposite CJ Melrose Memorial Reserve).

Location

398-446 Clarkes Rd BROOKFIELD, Melton Shire

File Number

241

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/2]
CJ Melrose Memorial Cairn
[2/2]
Cairn Text

Statement of Significance

The reconstructed 'Jimmy Melrose Memorial Cairn', at 398-446 Clarkes Road Brookfield (opposite the Melrose Memorial Reserve) is significant as a simple vernacular memorial to the famous young Australian aviator who was killed in an air-crash on this site in July 1936. Originally built by the scout group soon after the fatal crash, in 1976 the deteriorated fieldstone cairn was reconstructed by the Melton and District Historical Society to mark the fortieth anniversary of Melrose's death. It is built of the same materials, of the same proportions, and in the same place as the original.

The reconstructed 'Jimmy Melrose Memorial Cairn' is historically significant at the LOCAL level (AHC A4, H1). It is a monument to Charles James Melrose, a famous Australian pioneer aviator, who attracted international attention in the great London to Melbourne Centenary Air Race of 1934 as the youngest pilot, the only solo pilot, and the only Australian pilot to finish the race. In an age in which aviation feats generated huge public interest, Melrose was universally admired for his modesty and pleasant bearing as well as for his achievements. After his death he was held up as a model for youth, and the construction of the original cairn by a Scout group is a testament to the admiration of youth for an Australian aviation hero.

The reconstructed 'Jimmy Melrose Memorial Cairn' is socially significant at the LOCAL level (AHC G1). It demonstrates the continuing respect of the Melton community for Melrose, first demonstrated by the rudimentary cairn improvised by locals at the time of the crash.

Overall, the reconstructed 'Jimmy Melrose Memorial Cairn' is of LOCAL significance.

Group

Monuments and Memorials