Sphinx Memorial - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Description:
Hewn from surrounding bush sandstone by 5756 Pte. W. T. Shirley as a memorial to fallen A.I.F. comrades, the Sphinx is approximately 1/8th the size of the Great Sphinx, located on Egypt’s Giza Plateau.
Pte. William Shirley was a patient of the Lady Davidson Convalescent Hospital for returned World War One Australian veterans. He sailed to war in January 1916 and served with the 13th Btn A.I.F. (the “Two Blues” – as a result of the Battalion’s two tone blue colour patch). Like many of his comrades at Lady Davidson he suffered from gas inflicted during the fierce battles on the Western Front - with the added complications of a tuberculosis infection.
Between 1926- 1928, an ailing William Shirley laboured at creating his personal memorial to his fallen A.I.F comrades. The Sphinx took some one and a half years to complete. He died in 1929, leaving an unusual legacy in stone to be contemplated by the many bushwalkers who enjoy the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Inscription:
'To my glorious comrades of the A.I.F
by the late W. Shirley
No 5756 Pte. 13th Battalion
Died 27th August 1928'
'This memorial, following restoration,
was rededicated on the 9th November 1995,
in recognition of the selflessness and sacrifices
of the members of the A.I.F.
by the late W. Shirley
No 5756 Pte. 13th Battalion
Died 27th August 1928'
Dedication date:
Recorded by:
Mr Rusty Priest AM, former RSL State President (NSW Branch)
Established date:
1926
Location/surrounding area:
Memorial Location
Address Data:
Near the North Turramurra Gate and the Lady Davidson Private Hospital. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park [Bobbin Head]
Turramurra NSW 2074
