Ayre Family War Memorial Gate, Bungonia

This war memorial is a stone gateway, erected in Bungonia Cemetery. The focal point of the gate is an archway, with two columns and a curved pediment above the lintel. Positioned to the left and right of the arch are two shorter stone pillars. The three elements are joined by wrought-iron fence panels. The arch also has a wrought-iron gate within it. The pillars and the pediment are each faced with a marble plaque, bearing the dedications.

The gate was first established in 1901 in honour of William Ayre who died while serving in the Boer War. It was made by Mr J. Turner and unveiled around 7 September 1901. 

Following the First World War, it appears another arch was erected at the site. The Goulburn Evening Penny Post, 28 May 1921, states:

The memorial arch erected in the local cemetery to the memory of Charlie Ayre, uncle, and Claud Ayre, nephew, was unveiled on Sunday afternoon [22 May] ... The structure is the work of Mr Turner of Goulburn, and is erected alongside a similar arch erected to William Ayre ... It forms a gateway leading from the R.C. [Roman Catholic] cemetery to the C. of E. [Church of England] cemetery, with panels facing both cemeteries. The names of both the soldiers who fell in the late war are inscribed. 

At some stage, the second arch may have been dismantled, with the pillars and plaques remaining. 

Do you know more about this war memorial? Learn how you can contribute to the NSW War Memorials Register.