Foundation stone laid at Deniliquin
The Deniliquin Cenotaph acts as the formal entrance to Waring Gardens, a historic park located in the town centre. It is a grand stone gateway, with two arches for pedestrians to walk through.
The focal points of the cenotaph are two bronze honour roll panels, inscribed with the names of those who served in the First World War. Both tall and wide, these impressive panels dominate the front and back of the memorial's central pillar. They are accompanied by five smaller rolls, which include the names of those who served in the Second World War, the Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation, the Vietnam War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and on peacekeeping missions. All up, more than 1,000 veterans are commemorated on this stately monument.
Planning for a memorial for the town was underway by late 1919. At a public meeting on 28 October, Mayor W. H. Jones said, "the people of Deniliquin were very proud of and very grateful for the deeds of their soldiers," and they were eager to do something to recognise them. An arch at the park was one of the first suggestions put forward, along with a water tower, and a club house for soldiers. However, no decisions were made at that time (The Independent, 31 October 1919).
Almost one year later, the War Memorial Committee met on 9 October 1920 to choose the final design from four options. They also set a firm budget of £1,200, which was to include the engraving of around 500 names (The Independent, 15 October 1920).
Over the coming year, fundraising activities took place, including sports days, dances, and canvassing for donations. By October 1921, the committee had raised £500, which was just under half the winning tender of £1,168, submitted by returned soldier Mr F. Lodge (The Independent, 25 October 1921).
On 30 March 1922, the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Henry William Forster, laid the foundation stone for the memorial in front of large crowd, comprised of soldiers, officials, and residents. The ceremony was reported in detail in The Independent the following day. In his speech, Lord Forster said:
He trusted the memorial would serve to inspire all those who beheld it with the spirit of loyalty and comradeship. He believed that everyone who looked upon the memorial would set their lives by the lesson it taught.
The official unveiling of the cenotaph took place on 12 October 1922. Mayor A. H. Windeyer had the privilege of drawing aside the Union Jack flag that was covering the front honour roll (The Independent, 13 October 1922). Mr Windeyer spoke solemnly about the service and sacrifice of Deniliquin's soldiers, saying:
Unfortunately those who names appeared on the north [front] side of the memorial they would never see again.
Those men had given their lives ungrudgingly, and they had made for themselves a record that would be imperishable through eternity.
Almost 100 years since its construction, the Deniliquin Cenotaph remains an important site for the community, used for commemorative services including Anzac Day. It is also kept in good condition, thanks to ongoing maintenance by its custodian, Edward River Council. In 2018–2019, they received a grant through the NSW Government's Community War Memorials Fund to clean the memorial's extensive stonework.
If you are keen to explore the surrounding area, the Deniliquin Lone Pine is planted behind the cenotaph, on the right-hand side as you pass under its arches. On the opposite side of Waring Gardens, at the corner of Cressy and Edwardes Streets, the Trooper James E. Mason Memorial Lamp and Boer War Roll of Honor is another historic war memorial in town.
Do you have a loved one listed on the Deniliquin Cenotaph, or on another war memorial in the area? If so, share their story and a photograph with us to remember their service. Contact the NSW War Memorials Register to find out more.
#LestWeForget
Image captions:
- Deniliquin Cenotaph, front view. Photograph provided by Edward River Council, 2022.
- Foundation stone of the Deniliquin Cenotaph. Photograph provided by Edward River Council, 2022.