War Memorial

Statement of Significance

The memorial is significant in the social history of the district and for its association withpioneering families. It is a prominent feature of the townsite and makes a major contribution to the townscape.

Physical Description

The stone tiered memorial surrounded by small pines and garden is enclosed within a steel cyclone mesh and frame fence. It is located on the corner of Robinson Road (east) and within the main townsite.

The memorial carries engraved plaques depicting the World Wars and above this, engraved in stone are those from the district who paid the supreme sacrifice for their country. Around the base of the memorial a low chain guard is situated on the square concrete floor. To the rear (south) is the flagpole.

History

The war memorial at Woodanilling was constructed after the war and was opened by IE Coate in November 1921. Coate who was the secretary of the building fund, was a leading organiser in the patriotic fund raising. Coate had volunteered for active service, but after spending a week at Blackboy Camp, was rejected owing to an eye defect. Altogether 119 men served overseas from the Woodanilling district, 20 of them not returning.
"The war took its toll of Woodanilling". Mrs E Compton wrote 25 years later.
"From 1908 until 1914, the district progressed, but an outbreak of war and all the young men who could, enlisting, the town suffered a serious setback but the ones left behind carried on and large sums of money were raised to assist in the war efforts. "

In 1918 the unveiling ceremony had taken place of a temporary honour roll for servicemen. The Road Board secretary, H Pitdekow, explained that a permanent roll would be made on a marble slab with all servicemen's names inscribed at the close of the war. The temporary roll had 101 names. Mrs Woods was selected to unveil the roll as she had given three sons for Empire service. One had made the supreme sacrifice, another had returned wounded and a third was still on active service.

After the erection of the war memorial, Mrs Mary Kippin planted and tended a flower garden in the enclosure. The Road Board arranged for water to be laid on from a tank at the hall. John Baxter brought along a spade and dug the whole area and with the flowers and shrubs this became a bright spot for many years.

The Anzac services became a wonderful time of gathering together. They were usually held on the Sunday afternoon nearest 25 April. The pedal organ would be carried from the chapel and placed on a square of flooring boards. The organ would accompany the singing which would invariably include: Oh God our help in ages past, Our hopes for years to come "

Chairs were placed in rows for the congregation facing the memorial and about 20 or 30 cars were packed in a half moon shape behind the chairs. The local pastor usually conducted the memorial service with sometimes a visiting pastor or a RSL speaker giving the address.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Materials: Most
Modifications: Few

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.