Wagga Wagga First World War Memorial Arch

The memorial arch is made of sandstone set on a base, with polished trachyte panels located on either side of the entranceway. These panels show the names of Wagga and district residents who served the First World War. The memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1927 and two additional panels were added by G. Bailey and Baumer in September 1927.

The Soldiers' Memorial Committee met in April 1925 and plans by the honorary architect Morrow for the proposed archway were submitted. The tender of Anselm, Odling and Son of Sydney was accepted, provided the Local Government Advisory Board approved the plans and a site was selected after consultation with the Council. 

In 1926, many problems occurred with disputes concerning a site for the archway. On 11 June, The Daily Advertiser published details of a meeting between the Memorial Committee and the Council on the matter. That month, legal action was taken to restrain further work at the site. Following the Equity Court Case, Mr Justice Long-Innes dismissed the application and appealed for calm consideration between the parties (Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga), 31 July 1926). Two weeks later the Advertiser, 19 August 1926, reported the contractors had re-commenced work on the arch. On 10 February 1927, The Daily Express reported that it was hoped work would be completed in time for Anzac Day.

The Express published a detailed report about the unveiling on 26 April 1927. The unveiling was performed on Anzac Day by General C.F. Cox. The audience met at the Soldiers' Memorial in Bayliss Street. Returned soldiers formed in front of the monument along with the Wagga Brass and Wagga City Concert Bands. Other organizations who attended were the Red Cross Society, Militia, Scouts, South African Veterans and the Salvation Army. Following the opening, the Rev. J.G. Wheen, the Methodist President General, dedicated the monument.