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Wollongong Cenotaph

Wollongong Cenotaph
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Wollongong Cenotaph, front view
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Wollongong Cenotaph, back view
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Wollongong Cenotaph, side view of left pillar
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Wollongong Cenotaph, side view of right pillar
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Description / Background

The Wollongong Cenotaph is a large sandstone arch of classical design. It features several marble plaques, inscribed with an honour roll for those who served in the First World War. It also has some marble sculptures attached, including a young girl and boy, cherubs, and a woman holding the eternal flame of remembrance. Varney Parkes, son of Sir Henry Parkes, began carving the figures in 1922.

The arch was dedicated on 3 June 1923, at its original location outside Wollongong Council Chambers. In 1984, it was moved to MacCabe Park in the Wollongong CBD, where it forms part of the MacCabe Park Memorial Complex

Anzac Day commemorative services take place on site. 

Inscription

Top of arch - centre plaque

Erected to the memory of the soldiers of Wollongong who fought in the Great War 1914–1918

Top of arch - left plaque

Lord God of Hosts be with us yet,

Lest we forget, lest we forget.

Top of arch - right plaque

When can their glory fade

Foundation stone

The foundation stone of this memorial was laid by His Excellency Sir Walter Davidson K.C.M.G. Governor of New South Wales 7th August 1922

Dedication stone

This memorial was unveiled by His Excellency Rt. Hon. HW Barron Forster of LEPE P.C. G.C.M.G. Governor General Commonwealth of Australia 3rd June 1923.

Side of right pillar - plaque

On Fame's eternal camping-ground,

Their silent tents are spread,

And glory guards, with solemn round

the bivouac of the dead [American Poet Theodore O'Hara's 'Bivouac of the Dead']

Front of left pillar - plaque

Blow, bugles of battle,

the marches of peace;

East, west, north, and south. [John Greenleaf Whittier American poet, reformer and author (1807–1892)]

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 J Byrnes World War 1 view
R P Byrnes World War 1 view
E Byron World War 1 view
W F Cahill World War 1 view
? ? Carr World War 1 view
W Carr World War 1 view
? Castles World War 1 view
W E Cavanagh World War 1 view
E S Cawe World War 1 view
P Chappell World War 1 view

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Address
MacCabe Park
84 Church Street
Wollongong NSW 2500
Local Government Area
Wollongong, City of
Setting
Garden/park
Location status
Moved/altered
Memorial type
Arch
Recorded by
Wollongong City Council. Mount Ousley Public School. Rusty Priest.
Year of construction
1922
Dedication date
03 June 1923
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Materials
Marble
Sandstone