WOMEN’S WAR MEMORIALAdelaide, South Australia
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THE WOMEN’S WAR MEMORIALThe Women’s War Memorial commemorates the men who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1920. It was an idea from Miss Ethel Wyatt. In 1919 the Women’s War Memorial Committee was formed from the ‘League of Loyal Women’ and began accepting donations from the women of South Australia. The Adelaide City Council gave approval for the memorial to be situated at Pennington Gardens. |
Featured throughout the world in war cemeteries controlled by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission are two particular monuments: the Cross of Sacrifice, and the Stone of Remembrance. The Women’s War Memorial includes both a Cross of Sacrifice and a Stone of Remembrance positioned at opposite ends of the Memory Garden.
THE CROSS OF SACRIFICEThis monument was originally designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, R.A., and stands 11.6 metres (38 feet) high. It is made from Tea Tree Gully stone, and on the face is the Crusader’s Sword. The foundation stone was laid on August 4 1920. The plaque at the base of the cross was replaced on Anzac Day 1965 and is dedicated to all those who paid the supreme sacrifice in time of war. |
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THE STONE OF REMEMBRANCE
The Stone of Remembrance is from the design by Sir Edwin Lutyens, R.A.
The stone was constructed using Palmer marble. The stone is mounted
on three marble slabs, known as the Trinity Steps. Each step is
36cm (14 inches) high. Behind the stone is the crescent shaped Seat
of Remembrance.
The Stone of Remembrance was unveiled on Anzac Day April 25 1923 by His Excellency the Governor Sir Tom Bridges.
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SOME INTERESTING FACTSCoins and documents of the period are embedded in the base of the Stone of Remembrance. Placed in the base of the Cross of Sacrifice was an urn containing names of British, French and Allied troops. Women also placed small violet bags, which contained names of loved ones who died in the war, into the base of the cross. In 1963, it was feared that the Cross of Sacrifice would be blown down as time had eroded parts of the cross and cracks had appeared. After discussion between the Adelaide City Council and its architects, the necessary repairs were made. THE MEMORY GARDEN
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The design includes low hedges which form the border of the garden, flower beds on both sides of the path linking the two monuments, and a second path at right angles forming a cross.
THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE
The serene, elegant surroundings of the Pennington Gardens memorial
remind us of the silent suffering of the women of Australia in times
of war. Their tears were shed behind closed doors as their loved
ones fought valiantly on foreign battlefields. They were the mothers,
wives, sisters and sweethearts of the men who fell in freedom’s
cause. Many of these young men would never return to their homes,
resting now in graves the world over. The efforts of women in the
war were tireless, their practical assistance to the maintenance
of Australia remains a testimony to their strength, even when wracked
by grief.
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The years may have faded the memories of war, but the Women’s Memorial is an everlasting tribute to those whose lives were lost in battle. Their sacrifice ensured the safe future of the generations to come. The beauty and personality of the memorial at Pennington Gardens are perfect symbols of the remembrance of South Australian women. LOCATIONPennington Gardens East |
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