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Cairns CenotaphPrint Page Print this page

25-April-1926 : Unveiling (State Library of Queensland)
25-April-1926 : Unveiling (State Library of Queensland)

Photographs supplied by Diane Watson / John Huth / Peter Williams

The Cairn Cenotaph is a clock tower surmounted by a statue of a `digger` which was erected to commemorate those from the District who died in service or were killed in action during World War One. The names of two women appear on the list.

Originally the memorial which was known as the Sailors` and Soldiers` Memorial had a 4-faced electric clock, which served as the town clock however the clock is now missing and clock dials have since been painted to represent 4.28am, the time of the original landing of the ANZAC`s on Gallipoli. The memorial was the most costly World War One memorial in Queensland.

It was relocated to its present position in 1972 and a time capsule was placed to commemorate the removal. 

The memorial was unveiled on ANZAC Day 1926 by His Worship, The Mayor of Cairns, Alderman A.J.Draper. The cost of the memorial which was erected by Melrose and Fenwick was £2074. After the day portion of the ceremony was completed at 9pm that night the "Last Post" was sounded by Bugler H Brown, a native of the Etheridge District, in front of a silent crowd of between 600 and 700 persons.
Townsville Daily Bulletin, 29th April 1926.

Location

Address:The Esplanade, Cairns, 4870
State:QLD
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -16.917372
Long: 145.775375
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Monument
Monument Theme:Conflict
Sub-Theme:WW1
Actual Event Start Date:04-August-1914
Actual Event End Date:28-June-1919
Monument Manufacturer:Melrose & Fenwick (Townsville, QLD)

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Sunday 25th April, 1926
Front Inscription

Their Name Liveth For Evermore

[ Names ]

 

Left Side Inscription

Greater Love Hath No Man Than This

[ Names ]

Back Inscription

TO THE SACRED MEMORY OF
THOSE WHO ENLISTED FROM
CAIRNS AND MADE THE
SUPREME SACRIFICE
  IN THE GREAT WAR 
        1914 - 1918

The Moments Pass But Neèr Shall Die
The Memory Of Our Honoured Dead.
Who Marching Wither Duty Lead
With Death, Met Immortality.

The Names Of Those Who Paid The Price For Us
And For The Land We Love.
Be Beacon Fires To All Who Move
On Lowlier Ways Of Sacrifice


 

Right Side Inscription

How Sleep The Brave Who Sink To Rest
By All Their Country`s Wishes Blest.

[ Names ]

Source: MA,MIV,SKP,QWMR
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au