Plaque 1
Australia Remembers 1945–1995
The 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II
This memorial, erected in the year 1995, being the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, honours the sons and daughters of Australia who valiantly served the country during the years of hostilities. Man, in far flung lands, at sea, on the ground and in the air. Many rest forever in these foreign lands. They bravely fought in all theatres of this war, in the North Atlantic, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans, Southeast Asia, the South West Pacific and in their homeland when it was attacked by the enemy. Later they served in the occupation force in Japan. Theirs was a brave and selfless tradition first established by the ANZACs in World War I and proudly carried on for these ANZACs by thin new generation in World War II, thereby keeping the tradition alive.
Let their sacrifice and valour be ever remembered and forever remind us of the heavy price paid by that generation of Australians and their allies in crushing the tyranny of that time. Let us remember the 64 bombing raids of our homeland in Darwin, the 41 Naval and Merchant ships sunk in our also mined waters, the bombing raids on Broome and Townsville, shelling from the sea off Sydney and Newcastle, the submarine attacks on Sydney, Attacks elsewhere on our shores, all testify to the realities of the danger this country faced, often unknown at the time by our people.
Let us remember the many who also played their part on the home front, we acknowledge our debt to them whilst serving as civilians in the merchant navy at sea transporting vital goods and equipment, to the girls who formed the Land Army who worked on the land providing us with food, to others who worked in the factories building aircraft, tanks, making ammunition and other war supplies, all keeping this country on a war going. They worked tirelessly for those in the Armed Services, and in so doing, helped bring about victory over the enemy. Lest we forget.
Australia’s contribution and cost
| Our then population 6,870,000 |
Enlistment – all services 993,000 |
| Male component 926,000 |
Female component 66,100 |
| Served overseas 575,799 |
Killed, died, all causes 39,366 |
| Taken as prisoner of war 30,435 |
Prisoner of war deaths 8,296 |
| Wounded in action etc 66,553 |
|
The horrific cost to mankind
World War II caused more deaths and destruction than any previous war. The number of dead will never be accurately known and estimates range between 40 to 60 million people. The majority were civilians who died from bombings, starvation, massacares, genocide, disease etc. One ally with 20,000,000 troops and civilians killed suffered the highest toll of the 59 countries involved.
Unveiled by Federal Member for Berowra Mr. Phillip Ruddock MP Dedicated by Major Stan Morton JP Salvation Army Chaplain Australia Remembers 1945-1995 Committee John R. Blackshaw JP: Chairman and President. Lest we forget 1995.
Plaque 2
In honour of the men and women who served Australia in time of conflict during World War II.
Lest We Forget
This Memorial is a joint venture between the Hornsby Shire Council and the Australia Remembers Committee for the Electorate of Berowra.
Lt. Cmdr. Mick Gallagher. Mayor