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Blackheath War Memorial Arch

Blackheath War Memorial Arch
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Description / Background

This memorial arch stands at the entrance to Blackheath Gardens in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. It is in the form of a triumphal arch, however unlike most other memorials of this form it lacks a neoclassical motif. Elegant and architecturally restrained, it has been designed in the art deco style.

The arch is made from a pale fine grained granite with inset trachyte panels. The attic is unadorned and a carved ribbon architrave is set around the opening at the front and back. This ribbon has a carved repetitive fluted, or filleted, pattern interspersed with carved rosettes. The trachyte panels either side of the opening contain 76 names of local men who served overseas in the First World War, including six who died on active service. Stone wings at either side of the arch balance the monument in form and mass. The architects for the memorial were Major General Sir Charles Rosenthal, Rutledge and Beattie.

The foundation stone was set by Australia's former war-time Prime Minister William (Billy) Hughes on 10 November 1928. Construction delays and the unavailability of the State Governor delayed the unveiling until 25 May 1929.

Inscription

Eastern (street) side - lintel

Lest We Forget 1914 - 1918

Northern side - inside arch

This memorial was dedicated on the 25th May 1929 by His Excellency Admiral Sir Dudley De Chair KCB MVO Governor of N.S.W.

Southern side - inside arch, foundation stone

This stone was set on 10th November 1928 by The Right Hon W.M. Hughes P.C.K.C. M.P.

Metal plaque 1

World War II, Korea, Malaya

Metal plaque 2

Borneo, Vietnam, Gulf War

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
A Allen World War 1 view
A Anderson World War 1 view
C E Blockley World War 1 view
K Blockley World War 1 view
L A Blockley World War 1 view
G Boult World War 1 view
H A Boyd World War 1 view
M J Boyd World War 1 view
P L Boyne World War 1 view
F T Branch World War 1 view

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Address
Blackheath Gardens
Cnr Hat Hill Road and Great Western Highway
Blackheath NSW 2785
Local Government Area
Blue Mountains, City of
Setting
Building – inside
Memorial type
Arch
Recorded by
Mr Andrew Howell, Architect and David Roden
Year of construction
1928-1929
Dedication date
25 May 1929
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Second World War, 1939–45
Korean War, 1950–53
Malayan Emergency, 1950–60
Indonesian Confrontation, 1963–66
Vietnam War, 1962–75
Iraq: the First Gulf War, 1990–91