monumentsandmemorials

Diggers Memorial Bundaberg 1921

from State Library of Queensland

• Vesna Verencevic said:

  The monument commemorates those who have served in the various conflicts in which Australia has been involved. The pedestal of the monument bears the cut and gilded names of one local soldier who was killed in action in the South African (Boer) War and the 277 who died in service or were killed in action in World War One. Commemorative plates for later conflicts have been added to commemorate those who died in service or were killed in action in World War Two, the Korean War, the Malayan and Borneo conflicts, and the Vietnam War. The monument was incomplete when it was first unveiled on ANZAC Day 1921, as the statue had not arrived from Italy. "In the presence of some 5000 people on the 30th July 1921, the magnificent marble statue erected by the citizens of Bundaberg and District to fallen soldiers was unveiled by Major- General Brand. The monument which is erected in the heart of the city is 16ft high surmounted by the figure of a typical digger, 7ft.6inches high carved out of a block of solid marble and made in Italy. It is claimed to be the finest statue of its kind in Australia and cost £1900. The tablets bear the names of the men who paid the supreme sacrifice." Queensland Times (Ipswich), 1st August 1921. Source: www.monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/multiple/dis...

• Vesna Verencevic said:

  The First World War Memorial is situated at the main intersection of Bundaberg on a traffic island consisting of alternating bands of grass and concrete running parallel to Bourbong Street. The height of the memorial complements the adjacent Post Office tower. The monument sits on a large trachyte and granite pedestal comprising a central recessed square pillar with engaged square pillars at each corner. The central pillar sits on a simply detailed trachyte base and is flanked by sections of banded stone. The central section of each face bears the cut and gilded names of one local soldier who served in the Boer War and the 277 who served in the First World Wars. Commemorative plates to later conflicts have been added to the pedestal. The corner pillars sit on trachyte bases and have small cornices surmounted by rusticated stone blocks from which red granite pillars rise. The whole of the pedestal is surmounted by a large frieze and cornice.[1] Above the cornice sits an octagonal two-stepped base of trachyte surmounted by a circular step. This forms a base for a red granite column with a marble Ionic order capital.[1] Surmounting the column is a marble digger statue, which is life-sized. The soldier stands with his head bowed and his hands are resting on a rifle which is reversed. He carries a backpack and his right leg is bent to create a relaxed stance. Source: www.wikiwand.com/en/Bundaberg_War_Memorial