In July 1993 the Benalla Ensign published a tribute to Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop which featured two letters from local people.
This is what they had to say:
Tribute to Sir Edward
Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop was a great Australian. He will be remembered for many years for his work and sincere understanding shown to prisoners of war on the Burma railway.
His efforts to improvise with very inadequate instruments performing operations whils a POW was amazing. He faced death threats several times by the Japanese but managed to talk his way through.
We in Benalla and other districts have been fortunate to have such a close association with Sir Edward, having attended school at Stewarton and Benalla.
He was always very willing to come back to his area as a guest speaker on many occasions.
A few years ago the Benalla RSL launched an appeal for Medical Research Foundation and we presented him with a cheque for $4000 when he visited Benalla on Australia Day on 1991.
His name will be rememberd by all Australians, especially co by ex-service men and women, in particular we of the Benalla RSL Sub Branch who deeply regret his passing.
Norm Davis,
(Former) President Benalla RSL.
Benalla can proudly claim Weary’s heritage
Australia ands the world mourns the passing of one of Australia’s greatest sons - namely Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop.
Benalla Shire and City where Sir Edward was born and educated, can proudly claim hie heritage.
‘Pete Certum Finem’ (Have an aim or seek a definite end) was the motto of Benalla High School, was certainly the motto he lived by.
If I may suggest, I would like to see a memorial erected in Sir Edward’s honour at Major Plains near Stewarton, or besides the Dunlop’s old farming property at the Stewarton Primary School, where he first attended.
I am sure I can speak on behalf of all the residents of the Stewarton district.
The memorial could be similar to that of another famous Australian, Rev. John Flynn - ‘Flynn of the inland’.
I have had the pleasure of seeing this memorial which is situated at Moliagul in central Victoria.
Just across the road was the old home where Rev. Flynn was born. Perhaps only the \ chimneys and pepper trees remain.
This fact is not as well known as the church dedicated to him in Alice Springs.
The memorial at Moliagul features the propeller of his original aeroplane, placed in the vertical position, and set in concrete. Close by is a bronze plaque set in stone honouring his dedication to the people of the outback.
May I also suggest something quite appropriate would be the vertical staff with a serpent entwined - the symbol of the medical profession.
The profession he loved so much, and would honour our own Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop.
Mrs Margaret Desailly,
Benalla.