Pilot Officer Geoffrey Lloyd Wells Memorial Seat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pilot Officer Geoffrey Lloyd Wells Memorial Seat |
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The seat in 2014
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| Location | 103 Stanley Terrace, Taringa, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1940s – 1960s (post-World War II) |
| Built | post August 1941 |
| Architect | Wells Family |
| Official name: Pilot Officer Geoffrey Lloyd Wells Memorial Seat | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600338 |
| Significant period | Post-World War II recovery (1940s–1960s) (historical, fabric) |
| Significant components | seating |
| Builders | Wells Family |
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The Pilot Officer Geoffrey Lloyd Wells Memorial Seat is a special stone seat in Taringa, Queensland, Australia. It is a heritage-listed memorial, meaning it is an important historical place. The Wells family built this seat to remember their son, Geoffrey Lloyd Wells, who was a brave pilot during World War II. It was built after August 1941 and is a quiet spot for people to rest and remember. The seat was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992.
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A Hero's Story: Geoffrey Wells
Geoffrey Lloyd Wells was born on June 26, 1915. His family lived in Taringa, Queensland. His parents were Henry Charles Wells and Elsie Irene Wells.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, Geoffrey joined the Royal Australian Air Force in Brisbane. He became a Pilot Officer. This meant he was a trained pilot in the air force.
Sadly, on August 17, 1941, his plane was shot down. This happened over Roggel, a town in the Netherlands. He was on active duty, serving his country during the war.
Where Geoffrey is Remembered
Geoffrey was buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery. This cemetery is located near the town of Nijmegen. It is in a peaceful woodland area called Jonkers Bosch.
The Memorial Seat's Purpose
After Geoffrey's death, his family built this stone seat. It was created as a special memorial to him. The seat is built into a stone fence along Stanley Terrace. The family placed it on a corner of their property. They wanted it to be a memorial and also a place for the public to use.
What the Memorial Seat Looks Like
The memorial seat has a rustic design. It is made from large pieces of Brisbane tuff. This is a type of stone found in the Brisbane area. The seat is built right into the front garden wall. This wall is also made of tuff and faces Stanley Terrace.
Details of the Seat
The back of the seat is shaped like a butterfly. In the middle of the back, there is a metal plaque. This plaque tells about Geoffrey's death. It also has a famous quote from Winston Churchill. The quote says: "never has so much been owed by so many to so few."
The wooden parts of the seat have been rebuilt over time. The style of the fence above the wall has also changed. However, the seat, the fence, and a nearby shady jacaranda tree create a nice resting spot. It is a pleasant place for people walking by to stop and relax.
Why This Seat is Important
The Pilot Officer Geoffrey Lloyd Wells Memorial Seat was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. This means it is recognized as an important part of Queensland's history and culture.
Showing Queensland's History
This seat helps us understand Queensland's history. It shows how people have honored those who died in wars. This tradition started around the early 1900s with the Second Boer War. It became very popular during and after World War I.
A Rare Memorial
The Pilot Officer Geoffrey Lloyd Wells Memorial Seat is special because it is rare. It is a private memorial built by a family. However, it was also made for the public to use and enjoy. This makes it quite uncommon.
What Makes It Unique
The seat is a good example of how war memorials are designed. It shows the ongoing tradition of remembering war heroes. This tradition began with earlier conflicts like the South African War. It grew even more after the First World War.
Its Beautiful Appearance
The seat also has aesthetic significance. This means it is important because of its beauty and design. It adds something original and attractive to the street. It is also considered an unusual and interesting type of war memorial.
