Anzac Centenary Memorial

Memorial information

Description

Situated to the west of the Pialba Memorial Hall in Freedom Park, aligned southwest-northeast.

Includes a statue of a Queensland Light Horseman and his mount, cast in bronze, charging the enemy trench lines during the battle of Beersheba in Egypt.

Two black granite walls depict a WWI trench. The statue represents a trooper jumping over that trench on his way to battle.

The badges of the three Armed Services are located on the east side of the memorial.

Small plaques to individuals are mounted along the northwest sides of the memorial, on the northern east side, and within the trench.

Inscription

Inscription, southeast side, south end:

ANZAC Centenary 1915 - 2015
Lest We Forget

Inscription, north side of trench:

This memorial was erected by the Hervey Bay RSL, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Hervey Bay businesses and the Hervey Bay community to commemorate the ANZAC Centenary and in dedication to those who served their country

Inscription, south side of trench:

To those who served:

World War I
World War II
Korea
Malaya
Indonesia
Borneo
Vietnam
Somalia
Rwanda
East Timor
Iraq
Afghanistan
Peacekeeping Operations

Plaque, south side of trench:

REMEMBERING THE AUSTRALIAN WAR HORSE

The men who went to fight in World War I, and who died so far away, are honoured and remembered each ANZAC Day.

However, let us not forget the help they had through those horrid times.

Australia's finest 'Walers' they were called.
Strong, sturdy and faithful War Horses.
Thousands of them were sent.
They went without water or food, sometimes for many days,
to carry our men into battle.

They transported the wounded to field hospitals,
Hauled supply wagons, water and field guns over hills, muddy fields
and across desert plains.

Many tales can be told of their faithful deeds and without them many ANZAC feats, now legends, would not exist.

Litres of tears fell when the war was over and the riders and handlers
of these fine animals were told that because of quarantine laws,
these wonderful horses, who had been through so much,
were not going to be allowed back into Australia.

Hundreds were given to the British Indian Army to continue life
as a military horse.

Others, whose riders and handlers could not bear the
thought of the horses becoming farm animals and
with thick thoughts and teary eyes,
were laid to rest.

Let us never forget these Walers, whose monument stands above,
nor the Men they served with.