Percy Cherry Park Playground, Creekside Drive, Curlewis
Basic playground which is spread out. There is a birds nest swing, Rodeo Board for kids to battle against each other, small rope pyramid climbing frame, see-saw, two standard swings and spinning disk.
Unshaded seats, shelter with seat and grassy area. Located next to a wetlands area which has a shelter, tables, BBQs and unshaded table.
The park is named after Percy Cherry VC MC.
Percy Herbert Cherry was born on 4 June 1895 in Drysdale, Victoria, son of John Gawley Cherry and his wife Elizabeth, nee Russel. The family lived at Mannerim until 1902 when they moved to Cradoc Tasmania after living in South Africa for a brief period.
On 15 March 1915 Cherry enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force posted to the 26th Battalion. Considered too young for a commission he went to Egypt a Quartermaster Sergeant.
As a company sergeant major in the 26th Battalion he reinforced Gallipoli where he served at Taylor's Hollow arid Russell's Top.
He was wounded on 1 December and evacuated; a week later he was promoted second lieutenant.
He was transferred to the 7th Machine-Gun Company (2nd DIV AIF) and commanded the company's 1st Battery at Fleurbaix, Messines and on the Somme until 5 August and was wounded in a duel with a German Officer at Pozieres.
Cherry was promoted lieutenant on 15 August 1916 and resumed duty on the Somme in November. In December he was made a temporary Captain and transferred back to the 26th Battalion as a company commander.
At Warlencourt on 1-2 March 1917 he took part in an attack on Malt Trench. He and his men found a small gap in the enemy wire, he rushed two machine-gun posts capturing one single-handed and turning the gun on the fleeing Germans before being wounded himself. He was to receive the Military Cross for this gallant episode.
On 26 March 1917 his battalion was ordered to storm the village of Lagnicourt. Cherry's company encountered fierce opposition and after all the other officers had been killed or wounded, he 'carried on with care and determination .... and cleared the village of the enemy'. The Germans counter-attacked and the battle raged all day long. Though wounded in the leg, Cherry remained at his post but in the late afternoon he was killed by a shell.
As a result of this action he was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross, an honour for which his battalion commander had recommended him for 'bravery beyond description'.
Captain Percy Cherry never learnt of the honours bestowed; the Military Cross and the Victoria Cross were both announced after his death. He is buried in the Queant Road cemetery, Buissy, France.
He was unmarried.
Location
36 Creekside Drive, Curlewis 3222 View Map
