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Port Macquarie War Memorial

Port Macquarie War Memorial
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Description / Background

The Port Macquarie War Memorial is a column atop a base, inscribed with an honour roll. Originally dedicated on 30 March 1921, additional plaques for other conflicts have been added over time. In 1966, the memorial was relocated and later re-dedicated on 2 November 2000. In 2016, it was relocated again from the Town Green to the northern side of the Horton and Clarence Street intersection, and plinths were added. 

The following description is taken from The Port Macquarie War Memorial 1921-2000 by Colin Purbrick:

"The monument design was initially prepared by the contractor, Mr Alfred Goode but it was later modified under advice from the Ministry of Local Government.

As its centrepiece, the memorial consists of a traditional Doric column which was highly polished and carved from a single piece of stone ten feet six inches (323 cm.) high and one foot six niches (457 mm) in diameter.

Atop the column is mounted, on a carved stone base, a sphere representing the universe with the continents said to be depicted. This feature is not readily seen from the ground today.

The column is mounted on a pedestal with three steps, the whole being architecturally correct, both in design and proportion.

The stone used is a combination of Bowral trachyte and Aberdeen red granite, partly polished and partly fine axed.

On one side of the base is inscribed 'Erected to Commemorate the Great World War, 1914 -1919, and the Victory of the Allies' and on another side 'Unveiled on Port Macquarie Centenary 30/3/21.'

Current records do not show if the original plans included the erection of a complimentary stone and chain fence around the squared off base of the memorial. Early photographs depict rough carved stone corner and centre posts with smooth pyramid shaped tops, connected together with a steel link chain. Centre posts at the southern end formed a gateway to the base of the monument. The addition of the chain acted as a barrier to anyone using the memorial for any activity other than its intended purpose. The memorial was built on time although the Committee had a shortfall of £60 ($120) in its funds. However, on the afternoon of 30 March 1921, before a great gathering of local residents and dignitaries suffering heavy showers of rain, the imposing monument was unveiled."

Inscription

Globe

They crossed the ocean

Plaque

Erected to Commemorate the Great War, 1914 - 1919, and the Victory of the Allies

Inscription

Unveiled on Port Macquarie Centenary 30/3/21

Plaque

World War II 1939-1945

Egypt, Libya, Greece, Crete, Syria, Papua New Guinea, Bougainville, Borneo, Malaya, Singapore,

on all oceans and in the air

Plaque

Korea War 1950-1953

"Kapyong 25 April 1951" 

"Sarawon" "Chong Ju" "Pakchon" "Chaum-Ni"

Plaque

Malaya Anti Terrorist Operations 1950-1957

Plaque

Vietnam War 1962 - 1973

"Long Tan" "Saigon" "Nui Dat" "Vung Tau"

Plaque

Boer War 1899-1902

Plaque

Re-dedicated 2 November 2000

by G. E. (Rusty) PRIEST AM

State President Returned and Services League of Australia New South Wales Branch

Plaque

In memory of those who served Australia on the Armed Forces

Monument Relocated July 1969

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Address
Town Green
Horton Street
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Local Government Area
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Setting
Public square
Location status
Moved/altered
Memorial type
Column/pillar
Recorded by
Colin Purbrick. E. John Wade. Bob Metcalfe.
Year of construction
1921
Dedication date
30 March 1921
Conflict/s
South African War (Boer War), 1899–1902
First World War, 1914–18
Second World War, 1939–45
Korean War, 1950–53
Malayan Emergency, 1950–60
Vietnam War, 1962–75
Peacekeeping, 1947–present