Centenary re-dedication of the Port Augusta Fallen Soldiers Memorial Rotunda
A message from the Port Augusta RSL Sub-Branch
On 16 November 2023 the community of Port Augusta, South Australia, gathered to honour and remember the men who gave their lives in the First World War. This ceremony was recognition of the debt we owe these men and was the 100 year anniversary of the original dedication of the town’s main memorial to our Fallen Soldiers.
This memorial now includes individual memorials to all our fallen and serving defence force members from all theatres of war since that time.
The Fallen Soldiers Memorial centenary re-dedication was borne from the concept that the fallen soldiers who served in the First World War be again recognised for their service and sacrifice for their town and country.
Following the end of war, the citizens of Port Augusta and surrounds started subscriptions and donations and raised funds to erect a memorial to the memory of these brave men. Eventually it was decided to erect the existing rotunda as that monument.
Since that time, it has become a significant place to remember all fallen and serving members of the defence force. The rotunda and surrounds now bear testament to the many theatres of war that Australia has served in and the men from this district who served their nation.
On the 16 November 1923 Miss Ethel Campbell, known as “the girl of the flags” and the “Angel of Durban”, dedicated this memorial. Miss Campbell would welcome the many ships that sailed to Durban, South Africa, and on to the battlefields of Gallipoli and Europe by using semaphore signals. She did this by standing on the wharf and waving her semaphore flags in all types of weather.
She also arranged food, drinks, cigarettes and tea parties for her “boys”, as she often referred to them. Ethel did this for all ships heading to the war front or returning with wounded to Australia. This was done with a hearty “coo-ee” as the flags would flash “good luck and safe journey”.
There was significant effort put into organising this event, attended by about 300 people, by the Port Augusta Sub-Branch of the RSL. We were able to access various funds and grants, and worked with the council to have the rotunda and its surrounds restored and presented in a manner that showed the city in a great light. We also arranged a display of First World War military items at the adjacent Yarta Purtli Cultural Centre.
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, officiated and re-dedicated the new memorial plaque.
Officers from each of the three services attended and members of 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment formed the Guard of Honour, while the SA Police Force provided a brass quintet to play at the ceremony.
The Port Augusta Secondary School, Caritas College and Seaview Christian College each contributed, with students reading the names of the fallen soldiers from the war. We thank them and all the other local organisations which made the re-dedication such a memorable event.
Images:
David Miller from the Port Augusta RSL in front of the Fallen Soldiers Memorial Rotunda
Members of 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment form the Guard of Honour
The memorial plaque for the re-dedication of the Fallen Soldiers Memorial