HISTORIC TOMBSTONE IN THE GARDEN OF PRESIDENT'S HOUSE.

In the garden at the side of the front waiting room of the Office of the President of Trinidad and Tobago is a tiny grave marker marking the spot where Digger was buried .
So who or what was Digger? You may be in for a surprise when you read the Story of Digger who was buried at the side of the front waiting room at the Office of the President.
THE STORY OF DIGGER
Digger was a Wallaby brought by Edward Prince of Wales in 1920 who was returning home after a world tour. Edward was the eldest child of King George V and himself became King in 1936 until his abdication later that year to marry Wallis Simpson.
Edward had served in WWI and was awarded the Military Cross in 1916. During his visit to Australia, crowds regularly shouted 'digger' throughout his visit. Digger is Australian slang for an Australian soldier. He became known there as the 'Digger Prince'.
According to their military museum, 'digger prince' would have been one of the highest compliments at the time given the regard in which all servicemen and women were held.
Edward visited Australia right before Trinidad (April 1920) and received a wallaby given to him by an Australian girl ,among other animals including a cockatoo, emu chicks and parrots.
The Prince of Wales's wallaby, had become the greatest of all the many pets on board the ship . Less than two feet high, in form like a wee kangaroo, he was entirely fearless and always full of life. He had become the soul of the after-cabin during the homeward voyage.
On the homeward bound journey , the Prince and his entourage stopped in Trinidad for a courtesy visit . During their visit to Trinidad Government House in Port of Spain, Digger was let loose in the garden for some exercise and fresh air . Unfortunately in a tragic moment, Digger ate some poisonous plant or flower in the grounds of Government House. Brandy, castor oil were administered and the most devoted care was given but to no avail . Unfortunately, "Digger" died that evening, mourned most bitterly by the Prince and all his Staff. He is buried in the Government House Garden at Trinidad, and none of his friends will ever pass that way without a pilgrimage to his tiny memorial stone. The inscription on the tomb reads:
HERE LIES
DIGGER
A WALABY BELONGING TO
H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES
WHICH DIED AT
GOVERNMENT HOUSE TRINIDAD
18TH SEPTEMBER 1920
ON THE WAY FROM
AUSTRALIA TO ENGLAND
IN H.M.S RENOWN
Due credit to following sources :
Geoffrey Mac Lean
Snapshot of the History of Trinidad and Tobago by Angelo Bissessarsingh
Photo credit : (Prince Edward and Digger) , Geoffrey Mac Lea
(Source: Angelo Bissessarsingh Virtual Museum of Trinidad and Tobago, Sept 28, 2024)