Ashburton gardens victory oak

This oak tree in Ashburton Gardens commemorates the fallen men of the First World War. The text from the accompanying plaque are transcribed below:

THIS TREE WAS PLANTED
BY MRS H. SUTTON
MOTHER OF FIVE SOLDIERS
ON JULY 21ST 1919
IN MEMORY OF THE
MEN WHO FELL IN THE
GREAT WAR 1914-18
GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN

The Ashburton Guardian reported on the unveiling: ‘The tree-planting ceremony arranged to take place in the Domain yesterday afternoon was attended by about 30 local residents. The Mayoress (Mrs R. Galbraith) planted the "Peace" oak, and Mrs Sutton, Ashburton, who had six sons at the war, two having been killed in action, planted the "Victory" oak near the fernery.’