Tasmania’s state anthem has been played publically at a Boer War commemorative ceremony

The little-known Tasmanian state anthem has been played at a commemorative ceremony of the Boer War on the weekend.

Historian Reg Watson with Tony Bisdee, descendant of Victoria Cross recipient John Hutton Bisdee, centre, and members of Military Collectors of Tasmania, back from left, John Presser, Derrick Millhouse, John Wise and Kevin Daley. Picture: PATRICK GEE

THE Tasmanian State Anthem has been played publicly for the first time in 100 years, one historian believes.

Written by Frederick Augustus Packer in the late 1800s the anthem was played at the annual Boer War commemorative ceremony at Hobart City Hall on Sunday.

Organiser and historian Reg Watson said the event was to mark the Tasmanian participation in the South African conflict from 1899-1902. It’s the 16th time the commemoration has been held in Hobart.

Mr Watson said 42 Tasmanians died during the war, 40 of which are buried there.

He said it was gratifying how the event had been accepted by the public.

“It is important to remember those who served and the motto of the event is to herald those Tasmanians who served, 850 of them,” Mr Watson said.

“Time had forgotten them, but it was time to recall their effort, their sacrifice and their involvement in an amazing, though tragic and sorrowful, piece of history.”

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Mr Watson said the service was unique in it had no committee, no budget, no grants or sponsorships were sought.

He said the event was put together by volunteers and the Hobart ceremony was the first in Australia, with other states and centres following suit.

Lieutenant Guy Wylly and Trooper John Hutton Bisdee were the first Tasmanians to be awarded a Victoria Cross in the same action during the Boer War on September 1, 1900.

This year marks the 120th anniversary of the commencement of the Boer War.

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