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Wellington Cenotaph and Great War Memorial Gates

Wellington Cenotaph and Great War Memorial Gates
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Wellington Cenotaph and Great War Memorial Gates
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Wellington Cenotaph and Great War Memorial Gates
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Wellington Cenotaph and Great War Memorial Gates
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Description / Background

The Wellington Cenotaph is a composite stone monument, faced with an honour roll of those from the district who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars and the Vietnam War. At the front of the memorial are the traditional three steps and wide footpaths leading up to it. The whole is surrounded by mature trees and the well-maintained gardens of Cameron Park in Wellington.

The cenotaph is topped by a bronze sculpture by famous Australian artist Gilbert Doble. The sculpture comprises of three figures. Seated in the centre is a representation of 'Australia', with a sword resting in her lap. The second figure represents the mothers of the enlistees and the third is 'History', recording the deeds of those who saw service in her book. They are supported by a marble base.

The cenotaph was first unveiled on 24 May 1933. A brief article appeared the day before in The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate, which gave a detailed description of the memorial. It said the sculpture took seven years to create and was installed by W. Larcombe and Sons of Dubbo, who also did the stonework. 

The Second World War honour rolls were dedicated on Remembrance Sunday, 7 November 1948. The ceremony was organised by the Wellington RSL sub-Branch in conjunction with the Ministers' Fraternal on behalf of the Wellington Municipal Council. The Wellington Times published a detailed report on 11 November. Brigadier D. Macarthur Onslow DSO spoke at length of freedom and democracy. In addition to many residents, the function was attended by the RSL., Wellington Municipal Council, Macquarie and Cobbora Shire Councils, Boy Scouts and Cubs, the Country Women's Associations, and the Red Cross Society. Following his address, Brigadier Onslow performed the unveiling. 

Across from the cenotaph, at the entrance to the park, are a set of war memorial gates. They were a gift from prominent citizen Mr Murdoch McLeod, in honour of the men from Wellington who fought in the Great War. They were unveiled on 25 April 1923 (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, 19 April 1923).

The cenotaph is the setting for a number of commemorative functions held throughout the year.

Inscription

Cenotaph - front

To our glorious dead 

Cenotaph - reverse

Pro Patria 

Erected by the people of Wellington in remembrance of the brave. 

MCMXXIII

Gates

These gates were erected by Murdoch McLeod

In honour of the men of Wellington and District who fought in the Great War

1914-1918

Honour Roll

[Names]

Veterans listed on this memorial

Veterans listed on this memorial

Last held rank Given name Family name Conflict/s Service No. Service Campaign Read more
R B Abernethy World War 2 view
G Alford World War 1 view
C U Alley World War 1 view
V G Anderson World War 1 view
A S Astill World War 1 view
W G Barker World War 1 view
B T Barton World War 1 view
C U Bellinger World War 1 view
A L Bennett World War 1 view
G Beshwattie World War 1 view

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Sidebar
Address
Cameron Park
Cnr Nanima Crescent and Swift Street
Wellington NSW 2820
Local Government Area
Dubbo Regional Council
Setting
Garden/park
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Cenotaph
Gate/lychgate
Recorded by
Graham Wilson. Rusty Priest AM.
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Second World War, 1939–45
Vietnam War, 1962–75
Materials
Bronze
Marble
Metal
Other stone