Anderson VC Rest Area
Lake George, NSW
Federal Highway (M23)
At a Glance
About
The Anderson VC Rest Area is stop 17 of 20 along the Remembrance Driveway, positioned on the Federal Highway (M23) near Lake George in New South Wales. It follows the Wheatley VC Rest Area and precedes the Middleton VC Rest Area, placing it in the final stretch of this significant memorial corridor connecting Sydney and Canberra. Open around the clock, the rest area offers toilets, picnic tables, BBQs, and dedicated truck parking, making it a practical and comfortable stop for all travellers, including those with caravans or heavy vehicles. This rest area honours Lieutenant Colonel Charles Groves Wright Anderson, one of Australia's most decorated soldiers of the Second World War. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, on 12 February 1897, Anderson served in the First World War with the King's African Rifles in German East Africa, earning a Military Cross. After settling in New South Wales as a farmer between the wars, he answered the call again when the Second World War broke out, eventually taking command of the 2/19th Infantry Battalion as part of the 8th Division's deployment to Malaya. Between 18 and 22 January 1942, near Muar in Malaya, Anderson led a small force against overwhelming Japanese opposition to restore a vital position and support the 45th Indian Brigade. Over five days of relentless fighting, his force destroyed ten enemy tanks — a remarkable achievement under extraordinary pressure. His leadership during that period was cited as the basis for the award of the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honour. Anderson survived the war and went on to live until 11 November 1988, passing away in Canberra at the age of 91. For travellers on the Remembrance Driveway, pausing here to reflect on his story — of a man who crossed continents, served in two world wars, and led with exceptional courage — is a moment that carries real weight.
Victoria Cross Recipient
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Groves Wright Anderson VC
2/19th Infantry Battalion
Charles Groves Wright Anderson was born in Cape Town, South Africa, on 12 February 1897. He served in the First World War with the King's African Rifles in German East Africa, earning a Military Cross. After the war he settled in New South Wales and became a farmer. When the Second World War broke out, he enlisted in the Australian Military Forces and was promoted to lieutenant colonel, taking command of the 2/19th Infantry Battalion as part of the 8th Division's deployment to Malaya.
Between 18 and 22 January 1942 in the Muar area of Malaya, Anderson's small force was sent to restore a vital position and support the 45th Indian Brigade. Over five days of continuous fighting against overwhelming Japanese forces, Anderson displayed superb leadership. His force destroyed ten enemy tanks, defeated persistent attacks from air and ground forces, and when cut off from the main body, he forced his way through fifteen miles of enemy-held territory to reach friendly lines. He was captured during the Fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 and spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner, enduring years of brutal captivity on the Burma Railway.
Anderson was the highest-ranked Australian soldier to receive a Victoria Cross and the first Australian to earn the VC for action against the Japanese. After liberation, he entered politics, serving as the Country Party member for the Federal seat of Hume from 1949 to 1951 and again from 1955 to 1961. He died on Remembrance Day, 11 November 1988, at the age of ninety-one.
Born 12 February 1897, Cape Town, South Africa. Died 11 November 1988, Canberra, ACT.
References
Remembrance Driveway →
Stop 17 of 20 along the Remembrance Driveway
View all 20 stops
- Sir Roden Cutler VC Rest Area
- Partridge VC Rest Area Southbound
- Kenna VC Rest Area
- Keith Payne VC Rest Area
- Gordon VC Rest Area
- Mackey VC Rest Area
- Kingsbury VC Rest Area
- Chowne VC Rest Area
- Derrick VC Rest Area
- French VC Rest Area
- Kibby VC Rest Area
- Edmondson VC Rest Area
- Gratwick VC Rest Area
- Gurney VC Rest Area
- Badcoe VC Rest Area
- Wheatley VC Rest Area
- Anderson VC Rest Area
- Middleton VC Rest Area
- Newton VC Rest Area
- Edwards VC Rest Area
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EPIC (Exhibition Park Campground)
$? · 25.6km