Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is located in ANZAC Square and serves as a State memorial to those who lost their lives participating in overseas armed service campaigns, in particular the First World War. The Shrine houses an Eternal Flame in remembrance of those who lost their lives representing the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs). It holds an elevated position at the Ann Street entrance to ANZAC Square. It was dedicated at 11am on Armistice Day, Tuesday, 11 November 1930.


The Shrine is a dominant feature of the Square. The architecture is Greek Classic Revival style, utilising the forms of a Greek sacred enclosure (temenos) comprising of a round temple (tholos). The various columns are made of Helidon sandstone, which stand on a three tiered base of Queensland granite. The eighteen columns utilise doric order, and represent the year of peace, 1918. They support a circular entablature which on its outside edge is ornamented with rosettes and within the shrine is inscribed with the names of battlefields where Australian soldiers fought. Within the middle of the shrine a bronze urn houses the Eternal Flame. Twin stone staircases wrap around the Shrine, descending to the level of the Square.


Of all the elements within ANZAC Square, this has to be the most striking. The Shrine is a meeting place for the dawn service on ANZAC Day, and throughout that particular day draws huge crowds who pay their respect. At any time of the year, it is a moving and sombre experience to visit and recognise and remember the fallen.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Korea Malaya Borneo Memorial

The Korea Malay Borneo Memorial in ANZAC Square commemorates those Australians and their allies who died or served during the wars in Korea, Malaya and Borneo between 1948 to 1966. Part of an R.S.L. Bicentennial of Australia Project, it was sculpted in bronze with a pedestal of granite by Rhyl Hinwood, and unveiled on 23rd April, 1988.

The memorial depicts an Australian soldier from the Malaya and Borneo Wars standing alongside an an Australian soldier from the Korean Campaign, with an arm outstretched welcoming peace and friendship. Australia participated in the Korean War 1950-1953, Malaya War 1948-1966 and Borneo War 1962-1966. As Rhyl describes it herself: "Two life size figures stand side by side supported by sandbags draped with camouflage netting. One wears tropical jungle dress while the other is depicted in winter gear mostly borrowed from other nationals."

This is another of a significant number of artworks around Brisbane sculpted by Rhyl Hinwood. She does both serious and humorous works, and has done both corporate and public items. I'm glad that some of these are available for all to see, and in particular this one, which has such historical significance in remembering those who died or suffered in war. The main image here is actually from earlier this year, when I visited the square and took some other shots, so you can notice the hoardings behind the sculpture which have since been removed.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Shrine of Memories

The Shrine of Memories is a memorial of the Second World War dedicated to various Queensland contingents of the armed forces. It is co-located with the Crypt in the subway underneath the ANZAC Square Shrine of Remembrance. There are Touch and Tell systems in place that explain the significance of Anzac Square to visitors. It is open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 2.15pm except on ANZAC Day when hours are extended.

Within the Shrine and Crypt there are Honour Rolls, Unit Plaques, a memorial mosaic and soils from official World War II cemeteries. The Crypt was established in 1930 to contain tributes for Australian and allied participants. In 1984 the Second World War Shrine of Memories was relocated to the enlarged crypt from its previous location as part of the Returned & Services League (RSL) State Branch headquarters at ANZAC House in Wickham Terrace. It had been established at the RSL Branch in 1959. The mosaic, designed by Don Ross, comprises over 140,000 small pieces of hand cut Venetian glass enamels and depicts what I consider is the release of the spirit of those who gave the supreme sacrifice in War.


The Angel on the entrance wall to the Crypt represents the Angel of Peace. Entering this place is a very sombre and moving experience. It allows you to reflect on those who gave their lives, and that they not be forgotten. Over the course of writing this blog I have found that writing on the ANZAC tradition brings forth both emotions of regret at the wasted lives, but also pride that we honour those who defended hour nation and beliefs. We should strive not to make war, but to honour Peace throughout the world.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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ANZAC Day

Australia and New Zealand commemorate ANZAC Day on the 25th of April every year. The day was marked initially to remember members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who landed at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. That tradition has been extended and the commemorations recognise World War II veterans and returned servicemen and women from the conflicts in Malaya, Indonesia, Korea and Vietnam, veterans from allied countries and other peacekeepers. In Brisbane thousands lined the streets today to watch and honour those and their kin recognise the day.



The ANZAC tradition recognises the ideals of courage, endurance and mateship. Courage, in that many of the young men sent to fight at Gallipoli knew they would face certain death. Endurance, in that the conditions found at the site were atrocious, yet still they soldiered on. Mateship, standing by their friends and comrades, through thick and thin and all hardships and pleasures. I have said before that although I've never served, I respect what the ANZAC represents, these attributes and also in particular the statement "Lest We Forget". To me, this means that we should never wish to make war, lest we forget the sacrifice of those who have gone before. War is such a terrible thing.

Today I took my eldest boys to watch the 10:00am march in the city centre. We watched the F-18's fly over, and sat amongst the many onlookers watching past and present servicemen parade. We also went to the ANZAC Memorial at ANZAC Square. There were representatives from Army, Navy and Airforce, along with horses and various military vehicles. It was easy to applaud these dedicated men and woman whose service means so much to our country. I am amazed at how much pride I feel watching these people enjoy and be lauded for their efforts. All are there to recognise and remember the fallen.


The Ode of Remembrance states this best.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Queensland Womens War Memorial

In this ANZAC week, its appropriate to recognise another of the features of ANZAC Square. The Queensland Women's War Memorial is located on the western wall of the Square, below the Shrine of Remembrance. It was unveiled in 1932 as an initiative of the then Brisbane Women's Club and funded by public subscription.


Designed and sculpted by renowned local sculptress Daphne Mayo, it has two significant components. The most obvious of these is
bas relief in Helidon sandstone depicting a number of soldiers and horsemen with horse drawn guns in a military procession. This is highlighted with the inscription above which reads: "Erected by the Women of Queensland in memory of those who lost their lives through The Great War 1914-1918". The commemorative lettering surrounds a bronze laurel wreath. The second component is the drinking fountain which is made of bronze and sandstone. The interesting element of the fountain are the sculpted dolphins which hold it in place.


With work which has recently been undertaken at the square this area has been given a renewed lease of life. The detail of the relief is quite amazing, and shows the sculptor near the heights of her talent. Originally the memorial was to be just to servicewomen, however in 1929 the Women's Club decided to extend it to all the State's war dead. A truly fitting tribute.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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South African War Memorial

The South African War Memorial is located on the Adelaide Street side of ANZAC Square. It is also known as the Boer War Memorial. Originally commissioned in 1912 to local Brisbane Sculptor James Watts, due to the first World War it was not erected in Brisbane until 1919. It was first placed at the intersection of Turbot and Edward Streets, and moved to its current location at ANZAC Square in early April 1939 in time for the Anzac Day ceremonies of that year. Restoration work was done in 1991.

The life-size bronzed statue depicts a Queensland Mounted Infantryman. Australian involvement in The Boer War was predominantly in mounted units from the colonies and later from the Commonwealth, known variously as Bushmen, Mounted Rifles, Imperial Bushmen, The Australian Commonwealth Horse and the Light Horse. Over 16,000 Australian troops served in the Boer War. The uniform and accoutrements show the sculptors significant attention to detail.


Like today's war, this particular war was largely over a desired asset. The main commercial and strategic reasons for the war were that the British wanted the gold mines of the Boer states. The British reinforced their army and received support from Australia. Like today, there was no real need for us to be there. However, I'm pleased that we have recognised the contribution these men made in giving the ultimate sacrifice. Eighty-nine Queenslanders died during the war. These are represented on plaques on both sides of the memorial.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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South West Pacific Campaign Memorial

The South West Pacific Campaign Memorial is located on the Adelaide Street side of ANZAC Square. The memorial was unveiled on 29 August 1992 as a tribute from the Brisbane City Council. The unveiling coincided with the 50th Anniversary year of the Milne Bay and Kokoda Campaigns. Created by Artbusters, the statues of the memorial have been cast in bronze. It also includes a granite plinth, mosaic and brass infill.

The Kokoda Trail campaign was part of the Pacific War of World War II. The campaign consisted of a series of battles fought from July 1942 to January 1943 between Japanese and Allied forces in what was then the Australian territory of New Guinea. The memorial depicts a wounded Australian soldier descending the Kokoda Trail assisted by a strong dependable Papua New Guinean leading him to safety. They are being passed by a fresh, determined soldier, resolute in the task ahead.

Australian allies fighting in this battle did an amazing job of defending the trail, as did the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels supporting them. 6000 Australian lives were lost in the campaign. With the Kokoda, and subsequent New Guinea campaigns, this was the first time that Australia's security had been threatened directly. In Australia for many years there was strong resentment towards the Japanese over the War, however, as time has passed today we share strong economic and friendly ties. Even this week, we had both Australian and Japanese prime ministers outlining a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation. We should move forward, but We Will Remember Them.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Vietnam Memorial

Another of the War Memorial sculptures in ANZAC Square is to the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was a conflict between North and South Vietnam. South Vietnam's allies included the United States, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Australian and New Zealand troops were involved from 1962 to 1973. Some 50,000 Australians, including ground troops and Air Force and Navy personnel, served in Vietnam; 520 died as a result of the war, and almost 2,400 were wounded.

The memorial depicts an act of mercy performed many times during the campaign. It shows an Australian soldier directing a medical helicopter to descend and tend to his wounded mate. The memorial commemorates those Australians and their allies who died or served during the Vietnam War. It was unveiled as part of a bicentennial project by the then governor of Queensland in 1988.

Like the current War in Iraq, I'm saddened that we had to send our troops to Vietnam, largely due to the large loss of life and the ultimate futility of War. This memorial does depict one of the better aspects, mateship, and standing by your mate to help out at a time when your own safety would still have been in jeopardy.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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The Nursing Sister

There are a number of War Memorial sculptures in ANZAC Square. This one is a World War II memorial to the spirit and tradition of nursing sisters. Located on the Adelaide Street side of the park, it is placed on one of the main side walkways through the park. About 3,500 Australian Army nurses served either overseas or in Australia during World War II. Those who served close to the battlefield experienced at first hand not only the discomforts of makeshift field hospitals, including mud, dust, bad food, and lack of normal amenities, but also the risks and horrors of war.

The memorial depicts a wounded Australian soldier being assisted by a nursing sister. The associated plaque outlines that it is a scene typical of all theatres of war and exemplifies the involvement of all Australian servicemen and women in World War II. Unfortunately, although there are at least two references to the politician who unveiled the sculpture, details of the sculptor aren't readily revealed. The memorial also has a number of newspaper articles etched into the base, outlining nursing involvement throughout the war.

What hope it must have been if you were wounded in battle, and a nurse was able to come to your aid. I imagine that in most war, particularly on the battleground, you would be left for dead. And yet, here, depicted, is a woman just as heroic as any soldier offering her service not to kill but to save life. If only nurses ran the wars, then we could all go home.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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ANZAC Square

ANZAC Square, which is dedicated to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) is located between Ann Street and Adelaide Street. This view is across the road on the Adelaide Street side of the park. The square features a park area with various memorial statues, along with the Shrine of Remembrance which holds the Eternal Flame. The ANZAC Square War Memorial is also located here.

ANZAC Square is dedicated to Australia's military heritage. In most cities around Australia you will find significant parks, shrines and memorials of this nature. At present the Square is undergoing some refurbishment, in particular with the memorial ponds at the Ann Street side of the park. The Park also holds some unique flora in the form of the Bribie Island Pine Bottle trees.

Although I've never served, I respect what the ANZAC represents, and in particular the statement "Lest We Forget". To me, this means that we should never wish to make war, lest we forget the sacrifice of those who have gone before. War is a terrible thing, often fought by those with little relation to the leaders who engage the conflict in the first place. Personally, I'd fight to preserve my children, and the freedoms which we have in this country, one of the luckiest of all. But I'd do this only after all other forms of democracy had failed.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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