Finch Hatton War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Finch Hatton War Memorial |
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Finch Hatton War Memorial, 2009
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| Location | Anzac Parade, Finch Hatton, Mackay Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919 - 1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1921 |
| Architect | Melrose & Fenwick |
| Architectural style(s) | Eclectic |
| Official name: Finch Hatton War Memorial | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600723 |
| Significant period | 1921- (social) 1921 (historical, fabric) |
| Significant components | memorial - soldier statue |
| Builders | Melrose & Fenwick |
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The Finch Hatton War Memorial is a special monument located on Anzac Parade in Finch Hatton, Queensland, Australia. It was designed and built in 1921 by a company called Melrose & Fenwick. This memorial is important because it is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register since October 21, 1992.
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Remembering Our Heroes
The Finch Hatton War Memorial was put up on November 19, 1921. It might not have had an official opening ceremony. It cost about 200 Australian pounds, which was paid for by people in the community. This stone memorial was made by Melrose and Fenwick from Mackay. It honors 16 local men who died in the First World War. Later, names of 7 men who died in the Second World War were added.
Building this memorial was a team effort. People from both Finch Hatton and Netherdale worked together to make it happen.
Why War Memorials Are Important
Before the First World War, Australia didn't have many public monuments. But after the war, memorials became very common. They were the first national monuments, showing how much the war affected a young country. Australia lost 60,000 people out of a population of about 4 million. That's one out of every five who served. No other war has had such a big impact on the country.
Even before the war ended, people started building memorials. They were a way to show sadness and respect. For those who built them, these memorials were like sacred graves. They were stand-ins for the Australians buried in battlefields far away in Europe and the Middle East. The word "cenotaph," often used for war memorials, means "empty tomb."
Australian war memorials are special because they don't just remember the dead. Australians were proud that their first big army was made up entirely of volunteers. These men were honored whether they died in battle or not. Many memorials honor everyone from a town who served, not just those who died. This shows how much the community was involved in the war.
The "Digger" Statue
Australian war memorials also show how people felt about their country and the British Empire back then. They also show the skills of local stonemasons, metalworkers, and architects. In Queensland, the "digger" statue was a very popular choice for memorials. A "digger" is a term for an Australian soldier.
The digger statue was popular because it showed the Anzac spirit. This spirit represents qualities like loyalty, courage, youth, and strength. Most digger statues were made by local stone companies.
Melrose and Fenwick, who made the Finch Hatton memorial, were a big stone masonry company. They started in Townsville around 1896. They had offices all over Northern Queensland and were successful until the early 1980s. The base of the Finch Hatton memorial is very fancy and unique. We don't know why it was designed this way, but it might show the popular styles in that area.
What the Memorial Looks Like
The First World War Memorial in Finch Hatton faces the main road that goes to Mackay and Eungella.
The memorial stands about 17 feet (5.2 meters) tall. It has a base (called a pedestal) with a digger statue on top.
The memorial is made of sandstone. It sits on a base with rough stone sides. Above this are two bigger steps with angled corners. The lower step has a patterned design. The top step is smooth and has decorative edges.
The main part of the memorial, the pedestal, has two sections. The bottom part has a square shape with small twisted columns at each corner. Above this, the square shape continues with a small decorative ledge. On top of this is the second section, which is smooth with panels on each side. This part is topped with more decorative steps that are arched over recessed panels.
On a small block above all this stands the digger statue. The soldier statue has his head bowed. His hands are crossed over a rifle that is held upside down. There's a tree stump behind the statue to help support it.
Why It's a Heritage Site
The Finch Hatton War Memorial was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. It meets several important rules to be on this list.
Showing History
War memorials like this one show how Queensland's history has changed. They represent a common theme that affected most communities in the state. They prove a time when people felt a strong sense of Australian patriotism and nationalism, especially during and after the First World War.
Unique Features
These monuments are a special record of history. They show what people liked in terms of design between the two World Wars.
Built in 1921, the Finch Hatton memorial shows the main features of a monument built to remember a big historical event. It uses the right materials and design. As a digger statue, it's a great example of the most popular type of memorial in Queensland.
Beautiful Design
This memorial is also important because of its beautiful design and excellent craftsmanship. The base of the memorial has a pattern and design that is not common in other war memorials in Queensland.
Community Connection
Since both Finch Hatton and Netherdale worked together to build it, the memorial has a strong connection with both communities. It shows how a major historical event affected them.
Important Builders
It also has a special connection with the stone masons Melrose and Fenwick. It's a good example of their work.
