Victor Denton War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Victor Denton War Memorial |
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Victor Denton War Memorial, Nobby cemetery, 2007
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| Location | Nobby Cemetery, Nobby, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1914 - 1919 (World War I) |
| Built | 1915 |
| Official name: Victor Denton War Memorial | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600414 |
| Significant period | 1915-(social) 1915 (historical, fabric) |
| Significant components | memorial - other, memorial surrounds/railings |
| Builders | Bruce Brothers |
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The Victor Denton War Memorial is a special monument located in the Nobby Cemetery in Nobby, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1915 by a company called Bruce Brothers. This memorial is very important because it was one of the first memorials put up in Queensland to remember soldiers from World War I. It specifically honors Private Victor Denton, who sadly died in battle in 1915. Local people raised money to build it, showing a strong community spirit. The memorial was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.
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History of the Memorial
The Victor Denton War Memorial was built in 1915. It was made by Bruce Brothers, who were skilled stonemasons from Toowoomba. People in the local area worked together to raise money for this memorial. This makes it quite special, as most public memorials were not built inside cemeteries.
This monument honors Private Victor Denton. He was a soldier who died at the Dardanelles on June 16, 1915. This memorial is the first known monument in Queensland built to remember someone from the First World War. It was officially revealed on November 18, 1915. This happened during the "March of the Dungarees", a special event to encourage more people to join the Australian army.
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 showed how much the war affected the young country. Australia lost about 60,000 soldiers from a population of only 4 million. This was a huge loss for the nation.
Even before the war ended, people started building memorials. They were a way to show their sadness and remember those who died. These memorials were like sacred places, acting as "empty tombs" (also called "cenotaphs"). This was because many Australian soldiers were buried overseas where they fell.
Australian war memorials are unique because they don't just remember the dead. Australians were proud that their army was made up entirely of volunteers. These men were honored whether they died or survived. Many memorials remember everyone from a town who served, not just those who died. This shows how much the community was involved in the war effort.
Different Kinds of Memorials
Australian war memorials also show the loyalty people felt to both the British Empire and Australia. They also highlight the skills of local stonemasons and builders. In Queensland, statues of a "digger (soldier)" (an Australian soldier) were very popular. In other states, a tall, pointed pillar called an "obelisk" was more common.
Many First World War monuments have been updated over time. They now also remember people who served in later wars. Sometimes, memorials have been moved or repaired, which can change their original look.
The Victor Denton War Memorial is unusual because it's in a cemetery. Most memorials were built in public places like parks or town centers. Also, it uses a "broken column" design. This design was often used for graves to show a life that ended too soon.
What the Memorial Looks Like
This First World War Memorial is located in a cemetery away from the main town. The cemetery is on a hill with few trees. This makes the memorial a noticeable landmark in the area.
The memorial is made of concrete and stone. It stands in the Denton family's burial plot, right next to Victor Denton's parents' grave. A low fence surrounds the plot. This fence has concrete posts connected by a steel rod. The ground inside the plot is covered with eight-sided pavers.
The memorial itself sits on a square base with a sloped top edge. On top of this base is a short stand, also with a sloped edge. The front of this stand has a marble plaque. It has an inscription carved into it, remembering Victor Denton.
On top of the stand is a broken column. It has a simple base design. A broken column often symbolizes a life that was cut short.
Why This Memorial is Special
The Victor Denton War Memorial was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992 for several important reasons:
- It shows how Queensland's history changed. War memorials like this one are a big part of Queensland's history. They show how many communities across the state were affected by the war. They also show the strong sense of Australian patriotism and national pride during and after the First World War. These monuments are a unique record of history and show what people liked in terms of design during that time.
- It's a rare part of Queensland's history. This memorial is very special because it's the first known memorial for the First World War. It's also one of the few memorials dedicated to just one person and placed in a cemetery.
- It's a great example of a war memorial. Built in 1915, this memorial clearly shows what a monument built to remember a major historical event should look like. It uses the right materials and design to create a lasting memory.
- It's beautiful to look at. The memorial, placed in its cemetery setting, is important for its beauty. It stands out as a landmark.
- It's important to the community. This memorial has a strong and ongoing connection with the community. It reminds them of the huge impact of the war and is a central place for remembering that event.
- It shows the work of special people. It also highlights the skill of the Bruce Brothers masonry company, showing their excellent craftsmanship.
