And on Wednesday, his nephew Allan Smith created history at Inverell High School by planting a seedling of the Lone Pine his father, Lance Corporal Benjamin Smith of the 3rd Battalion, sent back after Mark died.

Mr Smith said it was a fitting day considering it was the anniversary of his uncle’s death.

“It was a lovely memorial service and to be able to pass the history on to the younger generation was fabulous,” he said.

“My grandmother wanted her son to be remembered and the fact that this occasion took place shows her wish has been granted.”

Mr Smith spoke to the students about his father and the shared stories that had been passed on.

When his father learnt of Mark’s death, he secured a pinecone from the tree near where he was found and sent it back home to his mother, Mrs McMullen who lived in Wallsend near Newcastle.

Both brothers had enlisted into the army while living in Inverell and their mother kept the cone for 13 years before she planted the seeds in the mid 1920s.

She grew two seedlings and presented one to Inverell and it was planted in Victoria Park, the other was planted at the Australian War Memorial in October 1934.

Almost 12 months ago, the Lone Pine was cut down from Victoria Park because Inverell Shire Council was concerned about the risk of it falling down.

There are still plans for the timber of the tree, these include making a woodcarving of Simpson and His Donkey for the RSM Club and other pieces of furniture, including a memorial, to be placed around Inverell.

Inverell High School principal Karen Roberts said her husband Chris had arranged for the seedling to be sent to the school.

“We thought it was a lovely idea, which is why we asked Allan to come along and plant it as well,” Mrs Roberts said.

“He is also the first person to plant a Lone Pine who is a direct descendant of Benjamin.”