Berry and MacFarlane Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Berry & MacFarlane Monument |
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Memorial in 2014
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| Location | Sherwood Road, Sherwood, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900–1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | 1902 |
| Official name: Berry & MacFarlane Monument | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600292 |
| Significant period | 1902-(social) 1902(fabric) |
| Significant components | memorial – obelisk |
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The Berry & MacFarlane Monument is a special memorial located on Sherwood Road in Sherwood, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1902 to remember two young soldiers. This monument is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which means it's an important historical site in Queensland.
Contents
Why Was This Monument Built?
This monument was put up in July 1902 by friends of two young soldiers. Their names were Sergeant Robert Edwin Berry, who was 23, and Acting Corporal John MacFarlane, who was 21. Both young men were killed in a battle in South Africa on January 4, 1902.
Who Were These Soldiers?
Robert Berry's family had lived in the Sherwood area for a long time. They were very involved with St Matthew's Anglican Church, which used to be nearby. Both Robert and John were part of the 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen. They were volunteers who fought in the Second Boer War, also known as the South African War, which lasted from 1899 to 1902.
The South African War
The Second Boer War was a conflict in South Africa. Australian soldiers, like Robert and John, volunteered to fight alongside British forces. They were paid by the Australian colonial government, but they were under British command during the war.
Building the Monument
The monument was carved by a company called W. Batstone & Sons from South Brisbane. It was placed in the grounds of St Matthew's Anglican Church and its cemetery in Sherwood. The Premier of Queensland at the time, Robert Philp, officially revealed the monument on June 21, 1902.
This monument is one of only a few memorials in Queensland that remember the South African War. Other similar memorials in Brisbane include the Caskey Monument and the South African War Memorial in Anzac Square.
What Does the Monument Look Like?
The monument is made of sandstone and stands near the main entrance of the Sherwood Anglican Cemetery. It faces towards the east.
It is about 4.6 meters (15 feet 3 inches) tall. The monument has a base with steps, then a main section called a pedestal, and on top of that is a tall, pointed pillar called an obelisk. The obelisk looks like it's draped with a cloth, or "shroud," with tassels.
Details on the Monument
On the front of the obelisk, you can see carvings of crossed rifles. The pedestal has two marble plates with writing on them. At the bottom of the pedestal, there's a detailed carving of a soldier's hat and crossed swords. Around the top, there's a design of roses and leaves.
Over time, the stone at the base of the pedestal has shown some wear, partly because it was painted a long time ago. The detailed carvings have also become a bit worn from the weather. Originally, the monument had a stone border around it with posts and rails, and marble chips inside. Now, it stands without that border, close to a newer structure called a columbarium.
Why Is This Monument Important?
The Berry & MacFarlane Monument was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. This means it's recognized as a very important part of Queensland's history and culture.
A Piece of Queensland's History
The monument helps us understand how Queensland's history developed, especially in the early 1900s. It shows how people felt about being Australian when the country was just starting as a federation.
A Rare and Unique Memorial
This monument is quite rare because there aren't many memorials in Queensland specifically for the South African War. It's also a special source of information about that time.
Beautiful Craftsmanship
The monument is a great example of skilled stonework. It shows the excellent work of W. Batstone & Sons, who were well-known stone carvers in Brisbane.
