Paddy Bugden VC Memorial, Alstonville Middle Image Image Image Image Image Image Image 0 / 0 - Prev Next Description / Background This war memorial is dedicated to Private Patrick Joseph Bugden VC, who was killed in action in the First World War. It consists of two distinct elements. The focal point is a stylised sculpture of a soldier pulling three others out of trench. The figures are accompanied by a stack of sandbags and a single slouch hat. The artwork is positioned on a three-step platform and backed by a cement-rendered brick wall that has a jagged top, resembling mountainous terrain. The second element is a black granite pillar, positioned on the grass to the left of the platform. The front is inscribed with details of Bugden's war service. It also states the work was a 25th anniversary project of the Alstonville Rotary Club and it was unveiled on 28 September 1997. Bugden's 1917 Victoria Cross citation is recorded on the back of the pillar. It was added in 2001 by the 2/7th Commando Squadron WWII. The two other sides have illustrations of rifles on them and the pillar is topped by a sculpture of a slouch hat. The memorial is located alongside Bugden Avenue, Alstonville, a road and avenue of trees dedicated to Bugden in 1948. The closest intersection is South Street. A timber signpost identifies the memorial from the road. Read more about Private Patrick Joseph Bugden VC on the NSW War Memorials Register. Inscription Pillar - front Private P.J. (Paddy) Bugden V.C. No. 3774 31st Battalion 1st A.I.F. Born Tatham NSW 17.3.1897 Died: Ypres, Belgium 28.9.1917 In recognition of his service above and beyond the call of duty "We are going into the firing line tomorrow, If by chance anything happens, I feel that I shall gain a place of happiness for I have never done a deed that I am ashamed of so I fear nothing". Extract from letter to Mother 9.1.1917 A 25th anniversary project of the Rotary Club of Alstonville Unveiled 28.9.1997 His Excellency Major General P. M. Arnison A.O. Governor of Queensland Pillar - back Paddy Bugden V.C. France 1917 Citation For most conspicuous bravery, when, in the face of devastating machine-gun fire, he led the attack on pillboxes with bombs and captured them at the point of the bayonet. Subsequently, he single handedly charged to rescue his Corporal who had been captured, during which he shot one German and bayoneted two others. On five occasions he rescued wounded men under intense shell and machine-gun fire, on a final mission being killed. "In admiration of your deeds" 2/7th Commando Sqn WWII 2001 Timber signpost Paddy Bugden VC Memorial Related memorials Bugden Avenue, Alstonville Veterans listed on this memorial Veterans listed on this memorial Sort by Family nameGiven nameWar Order AscDesc Items per page 1050100- All - Apply Last held rank Given name Family name Conflict/s Service No. Service Campaign Read more Private P J V C Bugden First World War, 1914–18 3774 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) Ypres Salient 1917 view Do you know more about this war Memorial? Click here to learn how you can contribute Sidebar Address Bugden Avenue Alstonville NSW 2477 Local Government Area Ballina Shire Setting Roadside Location status Original location Memorial type Column/pillar Statue/sculpture/artwork Recorded by Graham Wilson Year of construction 1997 Dedication date 28 September 1997 Conflict/s First World War, 1914–18 Materials Concrete Granite Marble