Overgrown with ivy the old blockhouse stands silent. Jellicoe Park in Auckland whispers stories of its past.
Jellicoe Park wasn’t always a peaceful green space. This land in Onehunga saw fierce battles planned. It once held a kumara patch. Later a military fortification a blockhouse stood here. Twelve Fencible soldiers guarded it. They defended Auckland against Maori attacks. These attacks never came. The Fencibles saw action only once in 1851. They marched out from Onehunga. A war party retreated without a fight.
After World War I Onehunga Borough Council had a vision. They wanted a war memorial. They planned to transform the Blockhouse Domain. Over 460 men from Onehunga fought in the war. The local community supported the effort. The Onehunga Woollen Mills even organised social events. They made soldiers uniforms. They held balls and picnics.
The Council’s initial plans included tennis courts and a bowling green. They envisioned the old blockhouse as a clubhouse for returning soldiers. However plans changed. Instead of active sports the park became landscaped gardens. A bandstand and children’s playground were added.
Surprisingly the park is named after Lord John Jellicoe. He was a British Navy admiral. He visited New Zealand in 1919. He advised the government on naval policy. He and his wife visited Onehunga. The Onehunga mayor suggested naming the park after him. Lord Jellicoe officially opened Jellicoe Park in 1923.
The park’s war memorial purpose almost disappeared. Published reports didn’t mention remembrance. The green space for recreation seemed enough. However a local woman Mrs H Murdock suggested memorial gates. Years later in 1929 the Arch of Remembrance was unveiled. It was built from red scoria rock. It proclaims a simple message 1914-1918.
Jellicoe Park a living memorial. It remembers those who served and died. It’s a place of peace and recreation. It stands as a testament to a community’s sacrifice and resilience. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Jellicoe Park. It holds a wealth of history. It’s a place where the past quietly lives on.