Australian War Memorial, London

Notes

The official dedication ceremony for the Australian War Memorial, attended by HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister John Howard and Prime Minister Tony Blair, was held on Armistice Day, November 11, 2003.

Located at Hyde Park Corner (near Wellington Arch), the curving wall of the Australian War Memorial is made from Western Australian greyish-green granite and is intended to reflect the sweep of the Australian landscape.

Inscribed on the wall are the names of 47 key battle sites where Australians and British fought and died side by side, including places like Singapore, Gallipoli and Pozieres.

Superimposed upon these battle sites are the names of thousands of home towns of Australian men and women who served during the two world wars, many of whom were never to return home. The periodic flow of water across the wall highlights these names and is designed to evoke memories of the suffering and loss felt by all.

The memorial is a tribute to the Australian men and women who served during World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945), particularly the 102,000 Australians who gave their lives in the defence of Australia and in aid of the United Kingdom.

It is a fitting tribute that the service of Australia men and women has finally been acknowledged and immortalised and is a stark reminder of the sacrifice and suffering of Australian military personnel.

(Source: M. Sturdy)

Back