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Bendemeer Memorial Gates

Bendemeer Memorial Gates
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Bendemeer Memorial Gates
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Bendemeer Memorial Gates
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Bendemeer Memorial Gates, closeup of honour roll
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Bendemeer Memorial Gates, closeup of honour roll
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Description / Background

The Bendemeer Memorial Gates consist of three sets of wrought-iron gates, positioned between four brick pillars. A wrought-iron arch spans the central gate, bearing the words 'In Remembrance'. There are marble honour rolls for the First World War attached to the two central pillars and several metal plaques for other conflicts in which Australians have been involved, which were installed at later dates.

Following the First World War, the Bendemeer War Memorial Committee was formed to consider construction of a war memorial for the town. By February 1925, Cockburn Shire Council had received a design from the War Memorial Advisory Board, sent via the Under-Secretary to the Local Government Department. The proposed war memorial gates were to be erected in the public park at Bendemeer. In response, Mr R.D. Dixon, secretary of the Bendemeer Committee, wrote to Council stating that the Board's design for timber gates was rejected. At that stage, the Committee had designed gates with iron railings, iron gates, concrete pillars and marble plaques (The Armidale Express on 24 February).

Following a delay of eight months to have their design approved, the iron gates were constructed by the local residents, under the leadership of Mr Hamilton. The lack of timber in the structure meant the gates would not be subject to damage by white ants. They cost 140 pounds and voluntary labour helped reduce expenses.

The unveiling took place on Anzac Day, 25 April 1927, at a ceremony led by Mr Arn. J. Osborne, with assistance from Mr W.O. Murray and Mr R.D. Dixon. A detailed report of the unveiling was published in the Uralla Times on 28 April. During his speech, Mr Dixon noted the movement to erect the gates first began at a public meeting on 13 October 1923 and had finally been realised. Wreaths were laid at the memorial and other speeches were given, including one by returned soldier James Ryan. The unveiling was performed by Mr Murray, whose three sons went to the Great War with one having been killed in the conflict.

The gates are located in Bendemeer Memorial Park, in a dominant position overlooking the McDonald River, situated east of the Bendemeer village near the Great Northern Road. Various commemorative services are held in the park throughout the year.

Inscription

Arch

In Remembrance

Left pillar - roll 1

Bendemeer in the Great War 1914-1919

Killed

[Names]

Died

[Names]

On active service

[Names]

Left pillar - roll 2

Bendemeer

2nd World War 1939-1945

[Names]

Right pillar - roll 1

Bendemeer in the Great War 1914-1919

On active service

[Names]

Enlisted

[Names]

Right pillar - roll 2

Bendemmer

2nd World War 1939-1945

[Names]

Land Army

[Names]

Korean War 1950-1953

[Name]

Vietnam War 1965-1972

[Names]

Side gate plaque

These gates were erected by residents of Bendemeer and District.

To the glory and honour of the soldiers who fell & served in the Great War 1914-1919. 

Veterans listed on this memorial

Veterans listed on this memorial

Last held rank Given name Family name Conflict/s Service No. Service Campaign Read more
Pte Randolph Adamson World War 1 359 AIF view
Pte Thomas Adamson World War 1 2517 AIF view
Pte Frank William Albertson World War 1 1056 AIF view
H Bailey World War 2 view
Pte Raymond Barrett World War 2 NX32579 AIF view
R Bastock World War 2 view
Pte Gordon Glover Blair World War 1 AIF view
Aircraftman Victor Clarence Blair World War 2 135763 RAAF view
Pte Leslie Breman World War 1 221 AIF view
Pte Edward Ernest Brereton World War 1 59708 AIF view

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Address
Bendemeer Memorial Park
Memorial Drive near Havannah Street
Bendemeer NSW 2355
Local Government Area
Tamworth Regional Council
Setting
Roadside
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Gate/lychgate
Recorded by
Graham Wilson. Robert Preston.
Year of construction
1927
Dedication date
25 April 1927
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Second World War, 1939–45
Korean War, 1950–53
Vietnam War, 1962–75
Materials
Brick
Concrete
Metal