Wagga Wagga and District War Memorial

The Wagga Wagga War Memorial is a monumental pillar, featuring honour rolls for the First and Second World Wars and the Vietnam War. It was constructed of Bowral trachyte with rock-faced stones for the paving blocks and the base came straight from the Bowral quarry. The remaining stone was sent to Sydney for cutting, polishing and the lettering. The main pedestal stood nine feet, atop a five foot polished base mould. The polished panels gradually diminished into the face of the base stone and above these panels were solid bronze gumleaf wreaths with bronze scrolls and drops. The architects Pitt and Morrow completed the work.

In 1919 a Wagga Soldiers' Memorial Committee was formed and trustees appointed to receive donations. The Committee set out to raise funds and following meetings, it was decided to contact the War Memorial Advisory Board once a ballot was held to decide what form the memorial would take. The ballot was held in the Town Hall on 18 October 1919 and the Daily Express, 8 November 1919 published the results. Various suggestions were made and the proposal for a monument received 385 votes.

In 1920 fundraising continued and letters were written to Waverley, Manly and Bathurst Memorial Committees for details of the cost of their memorials as well as plans from the Local Government Advisory Board. In 1921 much discussion took place about a site. Initially, a foundation stone for the memorial in front of the Town Hall was unveiled on 25 April 1921. Despite this action, further discussions took place between the Committee, the RSL League and Council. The Daily Advertiser, 29 March 1922 reported that a decision had been made by the executive to lay the foundation stone on Anzac Day, 25 April and to unveil it on Empire Day, 24 May. The Daily Express, 22 May 1921 reported that the Committee was about to collect names for the monument. The Daily Express, 18 September described the unveiling ceremony by Brigadier General Blamey on 17 September.