Glossary of terms
This glossary provides definitions of key terms used in our online submission form. You might like to use the source material to support your research into war memorials and veterans. For additional source material to support your research, please read our Researching war memorials and veterans page.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list of terms. There are additional help tips available in the online form to assist you in providing accurate information.
Memorial types
Arch
A memorial arch is a monumental structure in the shape of an archway with one or more arched passageways. Memorial arches are a classical form of monument building that dates back to the Ancient Roman tradition of building triumphal arches.
Board | Roll | Plaque | Tablet
Memorial avenue
This term refers to memorial avenues of trees. Each tree in an avenue of honour often represents a specific veteran.
Memorial book | Book of Remembrance
This term is used to describe a commemorative book in which the names of veterans are inscribed.
Cairn
A pile of stones. Used literally or symbolically to mark graves.
Source: Caring for our War Memorials
Cenotaph
A symbolic monument marking the grave of someone who is buried elsewhere. The basic form is a tomb chest on a plinth but many First World War memorials are modelled on the “stepped pylon” shape of the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.
Source: Caring for our War Memorials
Column | Pillar
Many war memorials in NSW are architecturally designed classical columns. The columns usually sit on an inscribed pedestal, and may be topped with statues of a solider or angel, a globe or an orb (a spherical ornament that symbolised the Empire).
Clock tower
Cross
The Christian cross is a traditional representation of sacrifice and remembrance and was a popular type of First World War memorial.
Garden
Gate | Lychgate
A memorial gate often consists of gate posts and an opening in a wall or fence. A lychgate is a roofed gateway to a churchyard.
Obelisk
An obelisk is a tapered, four-sided pillar terminating in a pyramid at the top.
Source: Caring for our War Memorials
Public building
Many communities in NSW chose to build war memorials in the form of public buildings such as town halls, community halls, libraries or ‘School of Arts’ buildings.
Rotunda
A rotunda is any building with a circular ground plan, and sometimes covered by a dome. It can also refer to a round room within a building.
Stained glass window
Statue | Sculpture
Examples of a statue or sculpture may include a digger on a pedestal, bas relief or female figure
Wall
War Trophy
War trophies are government distributed enemy guns. War trophies range in size from machine guns to large artillery pieces such as howitzers and mortars.
Types of memorial inscriptions
Incised
Incised lettering is a technique that involves cutting or carving letters into a surface.
Lead
Lead lettering is a technique in which lead is hammered into small holes, drilled into the stone as a key; letter forms are scored and cut with fine tools.
Source: Caring for our War Memorials
Gilded
Gilding involves painting on a special adhesive then applying gold leaf with a brush. Gilding has an even, bright surface and does not tarnish.
Source: Caring for our War Memorials
Raised
An example of raised lettering may include names that have been embossed in relief on metal plaques or tablets.
Veteran details
Rank
‘Rank is the lawful authority given to a sailor, soldier, or an airman or airwoman to command others. The higher the rank, the more people he or she has to command and is responsible for.’
Source: Australian War Memorial
Regimental number
A number given to a non-commissioned soldier between 1901 – 1921, used across the Commonwealth Military Forces and the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF). This system was abolished in 1921 and replaced with unique Army or service numbers.
Source: Australian War Memorial
Campaign
‘A phase of a war involving a series of operations related in time and space and aimed towards a single, specific, strategic objective or result in the war. A campaign may include a single battle, but more often it comprises a number of battles over a protracted period of time.’
Source: Understanding War: History and a Theory of Combat, Trevor N. Dupuy
Fate
The Nominal Roll of the Australian Imperial Force lists the fate of those who served abroad during the First World War; Killed in action (KIA), Died of wounds (DOW), Discharged abroad, Returned to Australia (RTA).
Source: Australian War Memorial