Sydney Cenotaph
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| Sydney Cenotaph | |
|---|---|
| Australia | |
| For the war dead of New South Wales from all conflicts | |
| Unveiled | 25 April 1927 |
| Location | Coordinates: near Sydney, Australia |
| Designed by | Sir Bertram Mackennal |
| "Lest We Forget" & "To Our Glorious Dead" | |
The Sydney Cenotaph is located in Martin Place and is one of the oldest World War I war monuments in the Central Business District. On the southern side, facing the General Post Office it states "To Our Glorious Dead" and on the Northern side, facing Challis house it states "Lest We Forget." It is used on a regular basis for ceremonies, far more than the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Every Anzac and Armistice Day the dawn service attracts thousands of people to the city.
Contents |
[edit] History
The GPO on the corner of George St. was the place were the most of Sydney-siders enlisted for WWI and thats is why it was seen fit for a Cenotaph to be erected. At the Time Martin Place was considered the Centre of the nation with nearly all NEWS of the war going through the GPO, before the rest of the nation. On the 8 March, 1926, the Premier of NSW, Jack Lang, indicated that the State Government would provide a sum of ten thousand pounds for the commissioning of Sir Bertram Mackennal to undertake the project of the design and erection of the Cenotaph, to be completed by Anzac day 25 April, 1929. It was completed in 1927. It is made from 20 tonnes of granite
[edit] The statues
The model for the soldier was Private William Piggot Darby from the 15th Infantry Battalion and 4th Field Ambulance AIF. He died in Brisbane on the 15th November, 1935.
The model for the sailor was Leading Seaman John William Varco. He enlisted 3rd June, 1913, served on HMAS Pioneer (1914 - 1916) in German East Africa and on HMAS Parramatta (1917 - 1919). He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal; one of 60 Australians; it is the second highest distinguished service decoration in the Australian Honours System,(Nota Bene: The Imperial version, British, not the 1991 Australian metal.) in 1918 and died in October 1948.
[edit] See also
- Cenotaph
- Australian War Memorial - Australia's national war memorial and museum.
- ANZAC War Memorial - Sydney's main war memorial.
- Hobart Cenotaph - Hobart's main memorial.
- Shrine of Remembrance - Melbourne's main war memorial.
- Shrine of Remembrance - Brisbane's main war memorial.
