History Excellence – The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship

The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards that is open to Year 11 students in NSW who have demonstrated excellence in the study of History. The application process is lengthy and includes a research essay, submission of completed school History assessment tasks and letters of recommendation. A huge congratulations to Molly Hoogland who due to her passion for History was one of 20 NSW scholars to win this scholarship and given the opportunity to undertake a fully funded Australian and International History Study Tour.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Student Reflection

Over the break, I had the privilege of travelling across Singapore and Darwin on a 13-day History Scholarship with a group of 20 NSW students and teachers. We visited a total of 37 historical sites significant to the Anzac participation in war and were accompanied by a historian. The formidable Professor Peter Stanley is an expert in the Fall of Singapore and the Bombing of Darwin and provided interesting historical insights. We participated in a variety of curriculum-based activities, including assessing the curation of the National Singapore Museum, and debating the culprit of Allied failure to defend the ‘impregnable fortress’ of Singapore in 1942. 

On Day 2, I presented my research commemoration of Brigadier Harold Taylor. Brigadier Taylor was removed from his command three days before the Japanese landing at Sarimbun Beach and this is often credited as a key reason for the Fall of Singapore. I was interested to learn that he was also a chemical analyst who was an expert often called to testify in trials involving poisoning. He used his knowledge during his time as a Prisoner Of War (POW) at Changi Prison and established what was known as ‘Changi University’. This was an unofficial education scheme for prisoners. He taught classes in science, agriculture, and art which was a vital distraction from often dire POW conditions. When Brigadier Taylor was transported to other camps across Asia, he used his scientific education to ensure that his fellow POWs gained optimal nutrition from their meagre rations. Above all, his story reminded me of the purpose of this Study Tour, which is to remember that the casualties and statistics of war are people who have passions and interests and relationships and we should continue to commemorate their stories today.

A highlight was visiting Changi Prison and Chapel and considering a collection of material culture in the form of correspondence sent to a POW. Sources included: a telegram from parents, citing concern for his health; a letter from his wife, asking when he would return home; and most poignantly, a drawing from his young daughter. Love, resilience, faith and strength were my central impressions of life in Changi Prison despite the tragedy. 

I am incredibly grateful to Ms Zagora and Ms Skerman for endorsing my application, and to the NSW Department of Veterans Affairs for allowing me to have such a meaningful experience. I encourage any student who is passionate about History to respond to Ms Zagora’s invitation and apply for next year’s Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship.

Molly Hoogland 
Year 12