The memorial is a column topped with a globe, sitting on a square basalt base. It is flanked by a water feature on both sides, consisting of six fountains spraying water to different heights leading your eye towards the central memorial. The base contains three plaques on the back, right and left sides containing the names of First World War soldiers and sailors who died.
On the left and right sides of the main memorial are a set of stone tablets commemorating the names of Second World War veterans'.
The memorial was constructed as a result of local community involvement and contribution. It was dedicated on 27 May 1922 by His Excellency Sir Walter Edward Davidson KCMG Governor of New South Wales.
An individual appearing on the memorial may have a simple identification with Hurstville or a less direct connection. For example, Trooper William Eric Blackshaw 5759A, 5th Light Horse Regiment, was chiefly connected with Hurstville and his family resided there. He had a clear and direct link.
Other combatants resided in the district and their names appear presumably because their families were supportive of the construction of the memorial. For example, Thomas Albert Dures’ (no. 4788 18th Bn) family lived at Carlton but identified themselves with Hurstville.
For others, the links are less obvious but can sometimes be revealed in the documentation. For example, in the army record of John Robert Griffith (3530 2nd Battalion), he had a close female friend living in Hudson Street, Hurstville. It seems reasonable to assume she supported his inclusion on the roll.
For some individuals, the documentation does not reveal what links they have to the suburb. Though clearly the presence of their name indicated a connection of some kind, it is not currently possible to establish the nature of that link. – Ross Bell
Note: Much of this veteran infromation has been provided by Mr Ross Bell, as per his publication Hurstville ANZACs ISBN: 978-0-646-91477-0. Copyright © Ross Bell 2014.