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Colac War MemorialPrint Page Print this page

14-February-2015
14-February-2015

Photographs supplied by Kent Watson / Graeme Saunders / Roger Johnson / Sandra Brown

The monument is a large sandstone structure predominantly erected for World War One, but it has been supplemented with plaques to other conflicts. It was unveiled by Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Chauvel on the 15th November 1924.

The monument contains the names on marble tablets of 1665 men who had enlisted during the war. The cost of the memorial was ₤3600.  A "Saluting Their Service " grant was received in 2011 to add additional names to the marble honour roll. 

The monument to those who served in World War Two and Korean War was constructed as a separate entity on the Murray Street side of this monument. In 1955, Architects Mason and Weinstock developed a contemporary design involving a low wall and two tall columns facing a pool of remembrance. It was opened on August 3rd 1957 by Lt. Governor Sir Edmund Herring.

Note : For the ANZAC Centenary year in 2015, a "Wall of tears" of 403 of woollen poppies representing the number of Colac district soldiers who died in World War One hung at the Cenotaph for the month of April. 

Colac Quilters’ Heather Green and councillor Lyn Russell helped organise Colac district crafters to knit, sew and crochet red poppies for the centenary of the Gallipoli battle.

Location

Address:Murray Street, Memorial Square, Colac, 3250
State:VIC
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -38.338747
Long: 143.588228
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Monument
Monument Theme:Conflict
Sub-Theme:Multiple
Monument Manufacturer:Sale & Keape

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Saturday 15th November, 1924
Front Inscription

1914  The Shire`s tribute  1918

Egypt                            Polygon Wood
Gallipoli                         Bullecourt    
Palestine                       Paschendale 
Flanders                       Villers Brettoneaux
Pozieres                       Mont St Quinton
     

 

Left Side Inscription

World War II
1939 - 1945

Korean War

They died for us 
R.A.N.
[ Names ]
A.M.F  
[ Names ]
R.A.A.F.
[ Names ]

Plaque :

National Service  1951 - 1972

This memorial is dedicated to all National Servicemen who met their obligations by serving in the Australian Navy, Army or Air Force as part of the National Service Schemes between 1951 and 1972 

Service to the nation

 

Right Side Inscription

World War II
1939 - 1945
Korean War
They died for us 
[ Names ] 

Plaque :
A tribute from the City and Shire of Colac to those who served in the following campaigns.

Malaya 1948 - 1960
Borneo 1962 - 1966
Malay Peninsula 1964 - 1965
Vietnam 1962 - 1972
"Lest We Forget"

Plaque :

Boer War 1899 - 1902.  

This tablet commemorates the death, in the cause of Empire, of four young men of the District.

[ Names ]

Who were killed fighting in South Africa, and Thomas Yates, who died immediately upon his return to Victoria.

 

Inscription in Proximity

Plaque :
Town of Colac  Shire of Colac War Memorial  World War II.  Korean War.  

Unveiled by His Excellency, Lieutenant Governor, Lieutentant-General Sir Edmund Herring, K.C.M.G., K.B.E., D.S.O. Saturday 3rd August 1957 

Plaque :

The citizens of Colac Otway Shire dedicate this plaque to the women who served their country in times of war.  
Lest We Forget.  
50th anniversary of peace. 
15th August 1995

Plaque :

This garden of peace is dedicated to the men and women of the Colac Otway area who volunteered for active service.  
Lest We Forget.  
50th anniversary of peace.
15th August 1995

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