Privates John Anderson, Henry Way and Edward Ruffels reinterred at the Hobart War Cemetery

A burial at Hobart War Cemetery last occurred in 1946, but that’s now changed after a trio of soldiers’ graves found new homes.

Australian Army Band bugler Corporal Joshua Young sounds the Last Post during the reinterment ceremony for World War I veteran Private Edward Ruffles at the Cornelian Bay Cemetery in Hobart on Thursday. Picture: Corporal Michael Currie

A trio of World War I soldiers whose graves were dug up at Hutchins School have been reburied.

Privates John Anderson, Henry Way and Edward Ruffels had their reinterment ceremonies on Thursday at the Cornelian Bay and Hobart War Cemeteries.

It was the first time since 1946 that a burial had occurred at the Hobart War Cemetery.

The three soldiers were among almost 2000 bodies that were found underneath Hutchins School.

The site of the Hobart school was a former cemetery, and the bodies were uncovered during construction works.

An archaeological team was then tasked with undertaking what was believed to be the largest mass exhumation in Australian history.

Australian Army soldier Corporal Caleb Blenkhorn from 12th/40th Battalion, Royal Tasmania Regiment, prepares to lower the coffin of one of the World War I veterans being reinterred at Cornelian Bay Cemetery in Hobart on Thursday, 06 March 2025. Picture: Corporal Michael Currie

Privates Anderson and Way died from wounds inflicted during World War I, while Private Ruffels died after the conflict ended.

All three fought on the Western Front in Europe.

After their bodies were recovered from Hutchins School, they were all reburied in a ceremony attended by Defence Force dignitaries.

Director of the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) Tim Bayliss described the ceremonies as “solemn, respectful and dignified”.

He said it was important that those who served Australia in wars were honoured correctly.

“It talks to who we are as Australian people. Why do we care about people who died over 100 years ago?” Mr Bayliss said.

“We care because they believed at that time in a thing called Australia.

“It was barely a teenager at the time of their service that believed in the ideals and why they would serve.”

Australian Army soldier Private Henry Stevens from 12th/40th Battalion, Royal Tasmania Regiment, stands guard over the World War I veterans Private Hans John Louis Anderson and Private Henry John Way before the reinterment ceremony at the Cornelian Bay Cemetery in Hobart on Thursday. Picture: Corporal Michael Currie

Mr Bayliss said the trio provided the “ultimate sacrifice”.

“But it’s because they believed in what Australia was.

“The freedom, the joy, the lifestyle that we lead because of these people that made the sacrifice and provided us the opportunity to really benefit from their service and sacrifice.”

Since the Hobart War Cemetery had not buried any soldiers since 1946, Mr Bayliss said the reinterment ceremony was a “unique experience.”

“It probably won’t happen again in my lifetime unless there are more remains identified at Hutchins that are war dead.

“But I don’t think that’s going to happen. We don’t do this every day.”

Mr Bayliss said this year was the 50th anniversary since the establishment of the OAWG.

“It’s about honouring those who served and provided the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

“We hold that mission very close to our hearts; it’s very personal, but we do it because it’s the right thing to do.

“It’s another symbol of who we are as Australians.”

Originally published as Privates John Anderson, Henry Way and Edward Ruffels reinterred at the Hobart War Cemetery