Charles Stokes Reserve

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance for the City of Subiaco:
• As one part of the major 1930s drainage scheme which finally addressed the flooding problems which had been affecting low-lying parts of Subiaco since the early twentieth century (historic values);
• As a parkland reserve that was directly associated with the development of a new residential area on the former University Endowment Lands at Daglish in the 1960s-1990s (aesthetic and historic values);
• For its enduring commemoration of Charles Albert Stokes, who was a WWI hero and long-time Subiaco resident(historic values); and
• As a place for community recreation (social values).

Physical Description

The reserve has a gently sloping grassed area at the north-eastern end (near Luth Avenue), with a central shelter and picnic table set amongst scattered mature trees.
At the south-western end (near Selby Street) a large drainage sump has been planted with trees, shrubs and grass in the form of a ‘natural’ hollow.
At the north-eastern edge of the drainage sump, a rough-hewn plinth bears two plaques. One of these records the dedication of the park in 1989 and the other provides brief information about the actions that resulted in Charles Stokes receiving the Distinguished Conduct medal.
The seven eucalypts planted by World War One veterans at the time of the dedication of the park in 1989 have matured. The plaques recording their names remain insitu.

History

Charles Stokes Reserve originally formed part of a natural, low lying drainage area.
In 1934 it was reported that the Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Department had implemented:
…. A comprehensive scheme for the drainage of the whole of the Subiaco district at an estimated cost of £69,800. Four compensating basins to store flood waters temporarily at Shenton Park, Jolimont, the Subiaco sanitary site and behind the Government horse yardswere provided for to reduce drains to a size capable of carrying the normal intensity of winter rainfall.
The area described as being ‘behind the Government horse yards’ has now been developed as the Charles Stokes Reserve and Cliff Sadlier VC Memorial Park, but at that time it was designated as the Daglish Compensating Basin Reserve (Swan Loc 7158, Reserve 25908).
Plans prepared/updated in 1960 showed the Subiaco Main Drain transitioning from an underground pipe to an open channel near the north-eastern end of what was subsequently developed as Cliff Sadlier VC Memorial Park. This drained into an open sump near the south-western end of this park, with an underground overflow outlet running to the south-west, along the north-western side of Charles Stokes Reserve (near what is now Clubb Avenue).
The portion of the former horse yards to the south-east of what is now Charles Stokes Reserve (around Luth, Nicholl and Nash Streets) was subdivided and developed with housing from the early 1940s. The University Endowment Lands to the north of the reserve (around Clubb Avenue and Northmore Street) were developed from the late 1960s. Aerial photographs suggest that landscaping of the parkland commenced in the 1970s.
The site was dedicated as the Charles Stokes Reserve on 29 December 1989, in recognition of Charles Albert Stokes (c.1885-1969), who served with the 51st Battalion AIF during World War One. In 1919, Charles Stokes received the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for his outstanding bravery at Villiers-Bretonneux, France on 24-25 April 1918:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Sergeant Stokes led a section of bombers against some machine-gun positions, which were holding up the advance of the flank of his company. All the sections except himself became casualties; but two of the guns were put out of action, and their detachment killed. And then Sergeant Stokes attacked the remaining gun single-handed, and captured it, killing or wounding all the crew. During all this time he was under machine gun fore of great severity. On returning to his platoon, he found his commander had become a casualty, and he at once took command, and let the men forward. His very gallant behaviour and coolness under fire of the heaviest desperation were an example worthy of the highest praise.
At the time of his enlistment in 1916 Charles Stokes was living in York Street, Subiaco, with his wife, Ellen Annie Stokes. By 1929 they had settled at 38 Denis Street, Subiaco, where they remained until around the time of Charles’ death. Throughout this time the Electoral Rolls listed Charles’ occupation as ‘horse driver’.
The Charles Stokes Reserve memorial was unveiled on 29 December 1989, by Dr Hubert Lelieur, Mayor of Villiers-Bretonneux, France, and Helen Passmore, Mayor of Subiaco. Seven surviving World War One veterans each planted a tree in proximity to the monument, with the veteran's name on a plaque at the base of the tree.

Integrity/Authenticity

High: With regard to its use as a park
Medium: With regard to its original development as a drainage reserve

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.