Mount Clarence, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount ClarenceAlbany, Western Australia |
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| Postcode(s) | 6330 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 2.5 km2 (1.0 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 2 km (1 mi) from Albany | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | City of Albany | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Albany | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor | ||||||||||||||
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Mount Clarence (also known as Nyungar: Corndarup in the local Noongar language) is a suburb located in Albany, Western Australia. It sits right between the main Albany city centre and the popular Middleton Beach. Most of Mount Clarence is covered by parks and forests, including a special area called Albany's Heritage Park. It officially became a suburb in 1979.
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Exploring Mount Clarence's Location
Mount Clarence is bordered by Middleton Road to the north and Marine Drive to the east and south. To the west, it meets the eastern edge of Albany's town centre. Most of the people living in Mount Clarence (about 669 residents) live in the northern and northwestern parts, close to Middleton Road.
The Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Near the top of Mount Clarence, you'll find the impressive Desert Mounted Corps Memorial. This memorial is a 9-metre tall bronze statue. It shows an Australian mounted soldier helping a New Zealand soldier whose horse has been hurt.
History of the Memorial
This memorial was first put up in Port Said, Egypt. In 1916, a military leader named Brigadier General J.R. Royston suggested building a memorial there. It was to honor Australian and New Zealand mounted soldiers who died during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.
The governments of Australia and New Zealand, along with surviving soldiers, helped pay for it. The memorial was built in Port Said in 1932. It honored members of the Australian Light Horse, New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade, and Imperial Camel Corps. These groups were all part of the Desert Mounted Corps and fought in Egypt, Palestine, and Syria between 1916 and 1918.
Moving the Memorial to Albany
The memorial was damaged during riots in 1956. In 1959, it was decided to send the memorial back to Australia. It arrived in Albany in 1960. A copy of the statue was made and placed on the original base. This copy was then put on Mount Clarence in 1964. Another copy was also placed on Anzac Parade in Canberra.
Albany's Connection to ANZAC History
Albany has a special link to the Desert Mounted Corps and the ANZACs. In November 1914, the first group of Australian and New Zealand soldiers left Albany by ship. They were heading off to join World War I.
Mount Clarence is also where the annual ANZAC dawn service is held. The first service took place in 1931, led by Padre Arthur Ernest White. The service happens at Padre White Lookout on Mount Clarence. The Desert Mounted Corps Memorial faces east, towards the rising sun, which is perfect for the dawn service.
Local Facilities in Mount Clarence
Mount Clarence is home to Albany Senior High School, where many students in the area attend. You can also find the Pioneer Cemetery here.
