Anzac Day Architect Canon David John Garland Remembered at Toowong Resting Place

Brisbane’s historic Toowong Cemetery is the final resting place for Canon David John Garland, the influential clergyman widely regarded as the primary architect behind the Anzac Day traditions Australians honour each year.



Architect of Anzac Day

Canon David John Garland
Photo Credit: Trove

Known as the “architect of Anzac Day,” Canon David Garland was crucial in establishing today’s commemoration. Working as a chaplain at Enoggera Army Barracks during World War One, Garland saw rising casualties from campaigns like Gallipoli. Sources state he proposed a national day to honour the sacrifice of fallen soldiers.

He rallied community support and was central to establishing the Anzac Day Commemoration Committee of Queensland. Garland served as its secretary from 1916 to the present. He is credited with creating the original framework for Anzac Day commemorative services. 

Garland worked tirelessly to gain acceptance for the day from military, religious, political, business, and community groups. The first Anzac Day was marked on 25 April 1916 with ceremonies in Australia, a march in London, and events in army camps overseas.

Shaping the Commemoration

Canon David John Garland
Photo Credit: Trove

Beyond proposing the day, Canon Garland initiated many specific ceremonies and rituals that became central to Anzac Day. These included the Anzac Day march, the luncheon for returned soldiers, the solemn two minutes’ silence, wreath-laying ceremonies at memorials, and special church services. He also started a trust funded by the sale of Anzac Day badges – featuring the winged lion of St Mark because the saint’s day coincided with Anzac Day – to care for soldiers’ graves.

Garland actively promoted these ceremonies, which were adopted in other Australian states and significantly influenced commemorations in New Zealand and Great Britain. He used his extensive network of contacts with politicians, business leaders, military chiefs, and clergy across Australia and New Zealand to harmonise the approach to marking the day. He successfully persuaded the public, industry leaders, and clergy of all backgrounds to support this special day of remembrance.

Photo Credit: Monument Australia

His relentless campaigning was key to achieving government legislation establishing Anzac Day as a public day for solemn commemoration in Queensland by 1921, contributing to federal harmony by 1930. Sources indicate that he initially ensured the organising committee remained civilian-led.

A Life of Service

Canon David John Garland
Photo Credit: Trove

Born in Dublin, David John Garland originally trained for the law before moving to Australia and joining the Church of England ministry in 1889. His clerical career took him to New South Wales, Western Australia, and finally Queensland. In WA, he successfully organised parishes and campaigned for religious education in state schools, leading to changes in the Education Act.

In Queensland, from 1902, he served as a rector, canon, and archdeacon, and he led the successful campaign for the Bible in State Schools referendum in 1910. His service as a military chaplain began in the late 1890s in Western Australia with soldiers preparing for the Boer War. During World War One, he was a senior chaplain for troops in Queensland before serving overseas in the Middle East from 1917 to 1919. He established clubs for the Australian forces, developed special burial services, and raised funds for memorials and soldier support there. 

Upon returning, he became rector of Ithaca Parish in Brisbane, broadcasting Sunday services from St Barnabas’ Church at Red Hill for many years until his death. He was also involved in immigration programs and led the New Settlers’ League.



Enduring Legacy in Toowong and Beyond

Canon Garland Overpass
Photo Credit: Monument Australia

Canon Garland’s energetic work and organisational skills left a lasting mark on Australian society, particularly through the establishment and enduring nature of the Anzac Day commemorations. His central role was recognised during his lifetime; acting Queensland premier W. N. Gillies reportedly described him in 1924 as the “life and soul” of the Anzac Day committee. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1934.

Canon David John Garland passed away in 1939 and was buried in Toowong Cemetery, a place connected to his work, including his role in establishing the Cross of Sacrifice memorial. His contributions are remembered through memorials such as plaques and a road overpass dedicated to the “architect of Anzac Day.” His former church, St Barnabas’, is also noted for its connection to this significant figure in Australia’s history.

Published Date 07-April-2025

ANZAC Day Tribute: Honouring Smoky, the Pioneering Therapy Dog at Stuartholme on Mt Coot-tha

During World War II, a courageous Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky served alongside Australian and American forces with distinction, even though she weighed less than 2kg. Did you know that after the war, Smoky became the very first documented therapy dog for returning soldiers with PTSD at the 42nd General Hospital in Stuartholme on Mt Coot-tha?



A Mascot Turned War Hero

Discovered in a foxhole in New Guinea in 1944, Smoky’s wartime service began in an unlikely fashion. American soldier Bill Wynne purchased the tiny Yorkshire terrier for two Australian pounds, not knowing the profound impact she would eventually have on many lives. 

Initially serving as the mascot for the South West Pacific Area’s (SWPA) 26th Recon Squadron, Smoky quickly rose to prominence. Her tenure as a mascot was short-lived as her role evolved dramatically during a critical phase of the war.

Smoky the Yorkshire Terrier
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

One of Smoky’s most celebrated contributions to the war effort came under dire circumstances. The engineers faced a daunting task: laying communication wires across a 21-meter wide airstrip in the Philippines, a mission fraught with danger, potentially exposing soldiers to enemy fire for days. 

Smoky, with her compact size and agility, presented an unconventional solution. A string was tied to Smoky’s collar, and she was guided through narrow pipes under the airstrip, a feat she accomplished with astonishing speed and precision. This single act, which took mere minutes, not only saved significant time but also protected the lives of the soldiers from potential enemy attacks. 

Smoky’s bravery and intelligence in completing this task were beyond what anyone could have expected from such a small creature, earning her a place in military lore.

Transition to Therapy Dog

The transition to Smoky’s role as a therapy dog began unexpectedly. Whilst serving in the Pacific, Corporal Wynne was struck down with Dengue fever, finding himself bedridden in a hospital tent.

In those moments of illness and isolation, Smoky proved to be more than just a mascot or a war hero; she became a source of comfort and companionship. Nestled beside Mr Wynne, her constant presence and innate ability to sense and alleviate his distress marked the beginning of her journey as a therapeutic aid.

Recognising the profound impact Smoky had on the soldier and observing her effect on other soldiers, military medical personnel began to see the potential of leveraging this bond for therapeutic purposes. When Smoky was introduced to the 42nd General Hospital at Stuartholme, her role was formalised as a therapy dog, the first of her kind documented in history. 

Her work involved visiting soldiers returning from combat, many of whom struggled with the invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Smoky’s therapeutic impact was immediate and profound. Her small stature and gentle demeanour made her approachable, providing a sense of calm and comfort to those she interacted with. Soldiers, burdened with the trauma of war, found solace in her presence, a testament to the healing power of non-verbal companionship. Smoky’s work at the hospital highlighted her versatility and adaptability and paved the way for the use of therapy dogs in military and civilian medical facilities worldwide.

Smoky Memorial in Brisbane
Photo Credit: Monument Australia

A Legacy Cemented

Her legacy is particularly significant, considering the period. During the mid-20th century, PTSD was not well understood or treated. 

Smoky’s contributions have been honoured with a sculpture nestled inside a World War Two army helmet at the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, dedicated to Smoky and all war animals. Her work as a therapy dog, which lasted 12 years during and after the war, has set a precedent for the use of therapy dogs in aiding soldiers’ recovery.

Smoky’s story has been celebrated internationally with memorials and honours across America, England, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, acknowledging her as the world’s first documented therapy dog. Her legacy, which began on the battlefields of World War II, continues to inspire and influence the role of animals in therapeutic settings.

A Timeline of Service and Legacy

1944: Smoky is discovered in a foxhole in New Guinea and becomes the mascot for the 26th Recon Squadron.

1945: Smoky assists in laying communication wires in the Philippines, showcasing her bravery and intelligence.

July 1944 – 1957: Smoky serves as a therapy dog, first documented at the 233rd Station Hospital in New Guinea, and later at the 42nd General Hospital in Stuartholme, continuing her therapeutic work post-war.

2005: A monument to honour Smoky and her service is unveiled.

2021: Bill Wynne, Smoky’s owner and companion, passes away at the age of 99, leaving behind a story of loyalty, bravery, and the therapeutic power of animals.



Smoky’s journey from a warzone companion to a therapeutic aid for soldiers with PTSD underscores the profound bond between humans and animals, a legacy that endures at Stuartholme on Mt Coot-tha and beyond.

Published 10-April-2024

ANZAC Day Activities In Toowong Cemetery

A week of Anzac-themed events is coming up in Toowong Cemetery. If you’re looking for some activities to commemorate the day, you can check out these activities from 19-28 April 2018.

Hundreds of servicemen who died whilst on active duty or after the war were laid to rest in this cemetery. The place is considered to be highly significant for Anzac history, so it is but fitting for the cemetery to be the venue to commemorate the sacrifice of the country’s heroes.

Guided Theatrical Tours

One of the Anzac events at Toowong Cemetery is the nightly guided theatrical tour. The tour will guide participants through the lights to tell the stories of the Anzacs buried at the cemetery

The tours will run from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. every night. However, on movie night on Saturday 28 April, the tour will start early at 6:00 p.m.

Interested individuals should come at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour.

Lighting Installation

At the ‘Soldiers Corner’ at Portion 10 in the cemetery, there will be a lighting installation from 6:00 p.m each night. The light display will run from 19-28 April.

Concerts

The South Brisbane Federal Band will perform at the entrance of the cemetery. Make sure to bring a blanket with you so you can sit on the grass whilst you listen to free entertainment.

On 28 April, the Australian Military Wives Brisbane will fill the cemetery with music from the war era.

Movie Night

After the concert on 28 April, catch the War Horse movie with your loved ones. The screening will be at the Canon Garland Place from 7:30 p.m.

No bookings are required and there are also no seating arrangements. Feel free to bring picnic rugs, camping chairs, beanbags or cushions for seats.

Each event is FREE and will run from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Anzac-themed events are made possible with the help of Backbone Youth Arts Inc.

Toowong Hosts ANZAC Week Events

In remembrance of Australians and New Zealanders who served and died fighting for their countries, the Brisbane City Council (BCC) will hold a week-long series of events to commemorate the fallen, from 21 to 29 April. These events at the Toowong Cemetery is part of the BCC’s City of Lights program and is done in partnership with the Backbone Youth Arts Inc.

During the week, there will be a round of theatrical tours. A concert, aptly called “In Remembrance”, will be held to show honour to the fallen on the 23rd of April with performances by solo artists, choirs and the Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra.

Wrapping up the week-long commemoration on the 29th of April will be a screening of the Australian classic film Gallipoli, a cinematic journey about two soldiers who were exposed to the realities of war in Turkey, during World War I.

The ANZAC Week events are all free of charge. Everyone is welcome.

Event details

Photo credit: Commander Keane / Wikimedia Commons