RSA Member, PNBS pupils and staff during the Cassino Oak planting.

A 'Cassino Oak' takes root at Palmerston North Boys' High School

By BRUCE GLASS

A special tree took root at Palmerston North Boys High School on 28 April. So special that 1700 people including representatives of the Defence Force and RSA Members attended its planting.

The tree was planted in memory of my uncle 459577 Private, Leyland Patrick Johnson, 27 (MG) Battalion, who died 4 June 1944 in the battle for Cassino, Italy.

I visited Cassino Cemetery in April of 2004, the first member of the family to visit Uncle Pat’s grave. During my visit I picked up an acorn, which had fallen from an oak onto his grave, and brought it back to New Zealand. It was planted in a pot and began to grow.

As was from Palmerston North, (his parents are buried in the Terrace End Cemetery), I decided it would be fitting to have the tree planted there. I contacted the Palmerston North RSA who were delighted with the thought and the tree was delivered to them.

I requested it be named “The Cassino Oak” and be in remembrance of my Uncle and all New Zealand soldiers killed in action in and around Cassino.

The “Cassino Oak” was planted near to another Oak tree called “The Gallipoli Oak”, commemorating the soldiers who died at Gallipoli. Both are in a remembrance area at the school.

Following a piper’s lament, as the Last Post was sounding and the New Zealand flag was lowered, there was a flypast of three light planes from Ohakea. While a bell tolled, wreaths were laid, and the oak was placed in the earth.

As a genealogist, I would appreciate hearing from anyone who may have further information or photographs of my Uncle.

Please contact Bruce Glass 7 Marshwood Place Domain Gardens Papamoa 3118, Bruce.Glass@xtra.co.nz or 07 542 3545.