Coburg War MemorialPrint Page

The monument commemorates those who have served in the various conflicts in which Australia has been involved. It was originally unveiled to commemorate those who served in World War One. 

In November 1923 the Coburg Branch of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia successfully sought permission from the Coburg City Council to put a soldiers memorial in front of the new City Hall. A cenotaph in the shape of a cairn formed from Harcourt granite was unveiled in 1924.

It has since been rededicated to World War Two, the Korean War, Borneo, Malaya, the Vietnam War and UN Peacekeeping missions. 

More than 4000 people attended the unveiling of the memorial to fallen soldiers in front of Coburg municipal buildings, in Bell-street, yesterday, afternoon. Among those were the Coburg and Mrs. G. A. Brown, and Messrs. F. Anstey, M.P., and T. Ryan, M.L.A. The memorial, which was erected at a cost of £100, consists of a massive block of polished granite, of cenotaph design. It was unveiled by Sir James Barrett, who said the monument was "a rock of remembrance." It had been placed in position as a tribute to the noble men who had gone from Coburg to fight for King and country, many of whom had sacrificed their lives. The memorial was dedicated by Rev. John Mathew, Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church. Among those who took part in the service were Revs. W. Clarke Hudson (Anglican), C. R. Andrews (Presbyterian), Ensign M'Coy (Salvation Army), Chaplain J. C. F. Pitman, and Messrs. N. L. Martin, president of the local branch of the Returned Soldiers' League; and Turnbull, of the parent body. The Coburg City Band supplied the music.  A party of returned soldiers fired three volleys, and The Last Post was sounded by Bugler-Corporal Taylor, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. In the evening a parade of soldiers was held at the Presbyterian church in Sydney-road.
Age (Melbourne),  28 April 1924.

Location

Details

Dedication