Ernest Albert Corey Memorial Plaque and Diorama

Following generous donations by the people of Cooma and the Monaro District, a memorial plaque to Corporal Ernest Albert Corey was erected in Centennial Park Cooma in 1979. Corporal Corey, Number 2143. A.I.F. was awarded the Military Medal and Three Bars while serving as a stretcher bearer in the First World War.

Over time, it became obvious the plaque was wrongly located and should be moved into the area of the Cooma Cenotaph. The plaque was relocated there in 1995. The small committee involved with the relocation decided it would be fitting to erect a diorama based on the famous painting in the Canberra War Memorial, depicting stretcher-bearers bringing in wounded soldiers under heavy shell fire at Mon St Quentin in the First World War.

Local sculptor and artist, Mr Chris Graham, was commissioned to undertake the project. Following his dedicated work and keen commitment, an outstanding and striking diorama was produced. The diorama, including the making of all the individual figures, took 260 hours to complete. It was constructed from steel and concrete and weighs two tons. It was erected at the Cooma Cenotaph site on 23 April 1996.

Voluntary labour has repainted the memorial railings, including concrete footings and has improved the access paths. A new lighting system has been installed, with a new lawn watering system planned. 

Source: Laurie Warne, Corey Memorial Committee 13 June 1996