Lot 605

Description

WWII Tribute Medal, 1939-45, in silver (57mm) (C.F/4), by K.G.Luke, reverse inscribed, 'Supreme Sacrifice/Lt. J.W.Park/1939-45'. In Amor Ltd, Sydney case, some dark tone marks, otherwise extremely fine.

James William Park, clerk, born 14Feb1910 at Bendigo, Vic; Enl.12Mar1941 (VX51193) at Royal Park, Melbourne, Vic. while serving as a Lieutenant (V55820) in militia, 22Bn; Emb.10Apr1941 for Middle East; RTA 10Mar1942; Emb.13Oct1942 with 2/6 Inf Bn to NG; attending 17 Aust Inf Bde Jungle Warfare Course in NG 26Oct-01Nov1942; KIA 09Feb1943 at Wau, NG; buried 1 mile west of Wau 16Feb1943; Re-buried at War Military Cemetery 21Jun1943; Re-buried at Lae War Cemetery 09Feb1945; Commemorated on the Roll of Honour at Tatura, Vic.

James Park played Aussie Rules for the Carlton Football Club making his debut in 1932 in the 4th round match against Hawthorn at Princes Park. In 1933 he played at centre half-back until the team captain, Frank Gill, was injured and so Park relocated to the last line of defence. When Gill returned from injury, Park moved to the pocket and was an outstanding success. In 1938 Jim Park was a member of the Victorian state team and also was a key element of Carlton's sixth Grand Final victory. Wearing the number 26 guernsey, he turned out for his last game when Carlton played Footscray at Princess Park in the final round of 1940. He then volunteered for overseas war service in March 1941.

James Park was killed leading his men into action in defence of an airfield at Wau in New Guinea and as a tribute to him, one minute's silence was observed for 'Gentleman Jim' as he was known, on 8 May 1943 before the commencement of the first match of the season between Carlton and Richmond at Princess Park. A lone bugler then played the last post. In a further tribute to him, The Sporting Globe Football Annual reported as follows. 'Jim Park had the admiration of officials, players and supporters alike at Carlton, for he played the game hard and fairly. He asked no quarter from anyone and he gave none. Yet with all his battling, he was scrupulously fair - a gentleman on and off the field.'

James Park's playing records stands as 128 games for Carlton in the years 1932-40, premiership player and Victorian representative player in 1938. For many years at Princess Park change-rooms there was hanging on the wall a photo of Jim Park, wearing his number 26 guernsey, making a chest mark after planting his left foot firmly on the back of his Melbourne team opponent, Eric 'Tarzan' Glass, and with his right leg outstretched as he leaps high in the air.