416,000 Australians enlisted to serve in the Great War (1914-18). Some 62,000 died and more than 150,000 returned wounded. In a country of only 5 million, there was no town in the country that wasn't touched by these losses and by the 1920s monuments to commemorate the sacrifices sprang up everywhere. Thanks to the lobbying of journalist and official war historial, Charles Bean, the federal government began considering a national monument in the 1920s, however, plans would be delayed by the Great Depression.
With private funds and donations a competition was held to design the memorial. Architect John Crust's design, although controversial, was selected. Construction did not commence until the mid-1930s and was not completed until 1941.
The focal point of the memorial is the Shrine of Remembranc.
Modelled on a Byzantine cathedral with a reflecting pool, eternal flame and flanking arcades.
The dome is decorated with mosaics.
On each of the four supporting pillars are mosaics of heroic representations of the Australian armed forces. This one represents the army.
The women's forces are represented.
The navy. The styling reminds me of Soviet realist artwork of the 30s and 40s.
The names of the dead are listed by unit along the walls of the arcades. In 1951, during the Korean War, the memorial's mandate was expanded to commemorate all Australian war dead in all wars.
The Museum Collection
Beneath the memorial is the museum collections. The entry hall contains a display of Second World War aircraft. The showpiece of the display is the Lancaster Bomber M is for Mother, but the Lancaster is currently undergoing restoration.
Hawker Sea Fury. These aircraft were used by the Royal Australian Navy as a carrier fighter from 1945 through the Korean War (1950-53).
Later model Supermarine Spitfire and a Mig-15
Japanese Mitsubishi Zero
Avro Anson cockpit.
Victoria Cross Collection
The medal room includes a commemoration of all Australian VC recipients, explaining what they did to earn their awards.
For some, the VC was their own award, but others recieved numerous, conspicuous commendations.
I think this set belonged to Harry Murray, Australia's most decorated soldier.
"Mad Harry" Murray enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces in 1914, he served at Gallipoli and later in the Western Front right through to the end of the war. He served in the Russian capmpaign against the Communists and returned to Australia in 1920. He enlisted again at the outbreak of the Second World War and served in the home guard until retiring in 1944.
More photos to come so check back soon - work in progress.
No comments:
Post a Comment