In 2013 Wonthaggi Fire Brigade moved from the site it had occupied for almost 100 years to a new fire station.
The move was an opportunity to look at the memorabilia that had adorned the walls of the fire station for as long as anyone could remember. The captain at the time, Kim O’Connor, took a particular interest in a photo that had been on the wall. This photo in its heavy wooden frame was of a firefighter called John Sparks. Inscribed beside his name is the regiment number 935.
Kim O’Connor contacted the local newspaper which published an article requesting information about John Sparks's history. In conjunction with the newspaper story, the brigade also posted the story on social media.
We never anticipated the response to the article. Little did anyone know that investigations would lead to a truly amazing life of a young soldier killed in action on the battlefields of France.
Kim and others checked the online availability of war records. This was immense with some 75 pages linked directly to John. His family was located and stories of stolen medals, a child being born out of wedlock in Britain during leave, being wounded at Gallipoli, promotion to corporal in France, never knowing who his father was, his mother dying at an early age and being raised by his Aunt in Baillieu Street, Wonthaggi.
John worked as a wheeler in the coal mines and was a volunteer firefighter with Wonthaggi Fire Brigade. There seems to be so many twists and turns to this story. The brigade, with the help of Ex-Captain Bill Watson AFSM, had replica medals struck and mounted below the photograph of John to pay tribute to the sacrifice he had made.
Shortly after this time, Bill Watson was returning to Wonthaggi after recently retiring. Kim asked Bill if he was interested in getting his teeth into a great project, and Bill accepted without hesitation after hearing the story to date. Bill made contact with the family of John Sparks and arranged to meet them.
The brigade minutes of 1917 show correspondence indicating the passing of John Sparks and show a motion in 1918 being passed for the portrait of John Sparks to be framed and hung.
Shortly after Bill Watson met with the family of John Sparks, a date was set for a medal presentation ceremony to be held at the new station where John's portrait and the replica medals were to be displayed. This was a great event with representation from both the brigade and John Sparks's relations. There were many stories shared on the day about the family and their memories of what they had been told about John Sparks.
As the day came to a close, we were surprised by the family when they presented Captain O’Connor with the original war medals along with the poorly-named dead man's penny that was sent to the family after John was killed. These medals along with a photograph of John in military uniform have taken the place of the replica medals. The replica medals are now worn by the OIC/Commander on the day when the brigade participates in the ANZAC march.
By this time, there had also been conversations regarding visiting John's graveside in the Sunken Road Cemetery, Contalmaison, France, and paying the tribute to John that he had never had the honour of receiving from his firefighting comarades. It was quickly agreed that this should happen.
Members of the brigade in dress uniform, along with some of John's relatives, local government representatives and French firefighters will honour the memory of John Sparks on 18 August 2018 at the Sunken Road Cemetery, Contalmaison, France. The brigade would like to extend an invitation to members of other brigades to join them in this very moving tribute to one of our own true heroes. John was not only a hero, he was an honourable man who paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.
Any members interested in attending this service can contact Ex-Captain Bill Watson on 0417 494253 or via email watson.network@bigpond.com
Bill has negotiated some very reasonable airfares and local accommodation and is eager to ensure this is a memorable event for all involved.