War Memorial Bridge, Brooweena facts for kids

The War Memorial Bridge is a special bridge located in Brooweena, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1921 to remember the brave local men who fought in World War I. This bridge is unique because it's the only known memorial bridge of its kind in Queensland. It was also built by a private family, not the government. It stands as a lasting tribute to the soldiers and their community's strong support during the war.

A Bridge Built to Remember

The Brooweena War Memorial Bridge was officially opened on May 21, 1921. A local church leader, Rev Hardingham, led the ceremony. Mrs. A. Brown, whose son was one of the soldiers who died, unveiled the special list of names. This bridge honors nine local men who sadly lost their lives during World War I.

Before World War I, Australia didn't have many public monuments. But after the war, memorials became very important. They showed how much the war affected the young nation. Australia lost about 60,000 soldiers from a population of only 4 million. This was a huge loss, and no other war has had such a big impact.

Even before the war ended, people started building memorials. These memorials were like sacred places, similar to graves. They were built for Australians whose bodies were buried in battlefields far away. The word "cenotaph" means "empty tomb." It was often used for war memorials at that time.

Australian war memorials are special because they don't just remember the dead. Australians were proud that their first great army was made of volunteers. These men were worthy of honor, whether they died or not. Many memorials honor everyone from a town who served, not just those who died. This helps us understand how communities were involved in the war.

Australian war memorials also show us how people felt about their country and the British Empire. They show the skills of local builders and artists. In Queensland, statues of soldiers were popular memorials. In other states, tall stone pillars called obelisks were more common.

Many World War I monuments have been updated to include later wars. Some have been moved or repaired, sometimes not very carefully.

A Unique Memorial

There were many types of memorials in Queensland, but this is the only known memorial bridge. Lawrence Stevens Smith, from Mount Joseph station, designed and paid for it. His farm workers, some of whom were soldiers who had returned from the war, built most of it. The stone parts were built by F. W. Webb from Maryborough.

The Smith family did not lose any sons in World War I. Still, they wanted to create their own way to remember the soldiers. After the bridge was finished, they gave it to the Woocoo Shire Council. This shows how much the Brooweena community supported the war. The people of the town also paid for an ambulance in France. Another memorial, a soldier statue, is in the town itself.

The bridge was used until a new one was built in 1972. Soon after that, Mr. Smith's son put up a stone marker. This marker explains why the bridge is important. The bridge remains a local attraction in the area today.

What the Bridge Looks Like

The World War I Memorial Bridge is about 21 kilometers (13 miles) south of Brooweena. It is on the Brooweena-Woolooga Road. It looks like a typical country bridge, made of timber, in a tree-filled area. It has a slight arch over a small creek. A simple white wooden fence runs between pairs of pillars at each end.

The white stone pillars stand on stepped bases. They have decorative tops. On the side of each pillar that you approach, there are marble plaques. The plaques at the northern end list the names of the nine local men who died. They also show where they fought. The other side lists the names of the 38 local soldiers who returned home. The pillars at the southern end show the dates of World War I.

Why This Bridge is Special

The War Memorial Bridge at Brooweena was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. It met several important requirements.

Showing Queensland's History

War memorials are important because they show how Queensland's history developed. They represent a common theme that affected most communities. They prove a time of strong Australian patriotism and nationalism, especially during and after World War I. These monuments are unique historical records. They also show what people liked in the years between the two World Wars. The memorial bridge, opened in 1921, was built to be a lasting record of a major historical event.

A Rare Find

This bridge is rare because it is the only known privately built memorial bridge in Queensland. It might even be the only one in Australia. Using a bridge as a memorial for World War I is uncommon in Queensland. There is only one other known example, but it was built by the government.

Connecting with the Community

The bridge has a strong and ongoing connection with the community. It shows the lasting impact of a major historical event. This memorial is especially important because it shows the amazing patriotism of the people of Brooweena. It also highlights the Smith family, who were responsible for building it.