Banyo War Memorial

Memorial information

Description

The memorial is a multi-element arrangement, built around the original flag pole erected in front of the local School of Arts in November 1952. The portion at the eastern end of the block where the Flagpole Memorial stood was donated to the Banyo RSL Sub-Branch and a Fallen Comrades Memorial Wall, paved walkways and gardens were included. Finally an artillery piece, a 25 pounder, was inserted and the gardens designed further, including the planting of memorials tress to the rear of the main memorial structures.

Three plaques representing the Navy, Army and Air Force are attached to a brick Memorial Wall positioned behind the artillery piece. Underneath the three plaques are attached the words "LEST WE FORGET."

Behind the Memorial Wall three Buckinghamia trees were planted by students from the local schools and a grey marble plaque depicting this was placed in front of the middle tree. The plaque was made by T. Wrafter and Sons.

In 2008 a red brick memorial wall was erected on either side of the light-brick centre Memorial Wall. These walls were built by Frank and Wade Testa. They were built to carry plaques honouring those who served their country regardless of whether it was at home or overseas. The plaques bear the name, number and branch of service to which the member was attached.

On either side of the War Memorial outside of a chain fence that surrounds the Memorial are seats supplied by Queensland Railways.

The Banyo War Memorial was dedicated by Major Robinson of the Salvation Army on Anzac Day, 25 April 1999, and is maintained by the Banyo RSL Sub-Branch.

Inscription

Three plaques representing the Navy, Army and Air Force were attached to the light-coloured brick Memorial Wall positioned behind the artillery piece. Underneath the three plaques are attached the words "LEST WE FORGET."

The gun, a Howitzer 25 pounder, carries a plaque. Under an "Australia Remembers Badge" are written the words, "THE CITIZENS OF BANYO AND DISTRICT WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE MADE BY OUR MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVED OUR NATION IN TIME OF WAR IN THE YEAR 'AUSTRALIA REMEMBERS' 1995. Below this is an RSL Badge under which is written the word 'BANYO' and below that ' Lest we forget.'

The memorial tress plaque reads "MEMORIAL TREES WW1 WW2 POST WW2 PLANTED BY LOCAL SCHOOL CAPTAINS 1999 BANYO HIGH HOLLY HERRLING & SCOTT DONALDSON ST PIUS KATHRYN SAWYER NUDGEE STATE ASHLEY KISS & FIONA ROBERTS
PRESIDENT RON VIRGEN SECRETARY BOB ROGERS TREASURER FRANK BANKS."

Along the top panel of the left hand wall is a plaque reading "AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING". While along the top of the right hand wall is a plaque with the Words "WE WILL REMEMBER THEM." On the top outer corner of each wall is a round globe with a light that is on a timer and lights up each evening.