New Zealand Memorial facts for kids
The New Zealand Memorial is a special stone monument in Greenwich, London. It remembers 21 brave British officers and sailors from the Royal Navy. These men sadly died during a conflict called the New Zealand War in 1863–64. You can find this memorial near the River Thames, not far from the famous ship Cutty Sark and the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. It became a protected historical building in 1973.
What is the New Zealand Memorial?
The memorial is shaped like an obelisk, which is a tall, four-sided stone pillar that gets narrower towards its top. It is made from a pretty pink-grey stone called Cornish granite. The obelisk stands on a square base, which sits on three wide steps. The base has cool carvings that look like chains and ropes. It also has important messages carved into each side. This monument was built around 1872.
Who Does the Memorial Remember?
The memorial honors 21 British Navy members who lost their lives. Among them were important leaders like Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton. He was in charge of a ship called HMS Esk. The city of Hamilton in New Zealand is actually named after him! Another leader remembered is Commander Edward Hay, who commanded HMS Harrier. The memorial also lists other officers and sailors from ships like HMS Esk, HMS Harrier, HMS Curacoa, HMS Eclipse, and HMS Miranda.
Who Designed the Memorial?
The New Zealand Memorial was designed by an artist named Frederick Sang. A special group, led by Rear Admiral Sir William Wiseman, 8th Baronet, asked him to create it. Sir William Wiseman used to be a senior officer in the Navy's Australia Station. The obelisk itself was built by a craftsman named Charles Raymond Smith.
