St Margarets Anglican
South East Asian Forces
Gelland War Memorial
Anzac Plaza Memorial
Henley & Grange Memorial Hall
Semaphore War
Memorial
West Torrens
Memorial Gardens
War Memorials
and Commemorative Sites
in the Western Area
Student Activities
MEMORIAL Memorial Reserve - Adelaide Airport
ADDRESS
Behind Sir Ross & Sir Keith Smith War Memorial building in old Terminal car park
BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has thirty five memorial bronze
plaques affixed to the front angle faces of concrete blocks set on
concrete slabs.

In the centre of the reserve is a dedication memorial, which comprises of
a granite boulder set on a concrete slab with a bronze plaque affixed to
the west face.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
On Site
(1) What R.A.A.F group were known as the “Flying Shovels”?
(2) What was the motto of 454 Squadron?
(3) What role did 456 Squadron perform?
(4) Locate the two women’s services commemorated on these plaques. They commemorate those
who served in the WAAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force) and as RAAF Nursing sisters.
During what conflict did they serve?
(5) Select a type of RAAF aircraft or squadron to research when you return to the classroom.
Classroom
(6) Why was the WAAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force) formed during World War II? What
roles did these women perform?
Information can be found at
www.womenaustralia.info > Women at War Exhibition
Browse organisations and select WAAAF
However you may use the internet or other information sources for your research.
(7) Write a paragraph on the Dam Busters raids conducted by 617 Squadron in 1943. Include how and
why the raids were undertaken and the numbers of Australians involved?
Key to Map (on following page) - Plaque No’s
1)
459 “Hudson”
13)
462 – 466 Halifax Squadrons
25)
40th Anniv. of Air Training Corp
2)
31 “Beaufighter”
14)
460 Squadron
26)
Kittyhawk Squadron
3)
Beauford Squadrons
15)
456 Night Fighters Squadron
27)
Signals and Radar Units
4)
453 RAAF Squadron
16)
458 Squadron
28)
Hudson Squadrons
5)
452 - 457 Spitfire Squadrons
17)
Pathfinder Club
29)
22nd and 30th Squadrons
6)
454 Squadron
18)
RAAF Squadrons Air Chief Marshall Sir
Basil Embry
30)
Liberators
7)
Desert Airforce RAAF Fighter Squadron
19)
No. 24 Squadron
31)
Reunion of 18 Squadron
8)
10 and 461 Squadrons
20)
In Memory of Australian Airmen who
died serving in the Far East
32)
12 Squadron
9)
Flying Shovels
21)
463 –467 Lancaster Squadron
33)
Air Crew Association
10)
86 Squadron RAAF
22)
WAAAF
34)
Nursing Branch RAAF
11)
Australian Flying Corp and RAAF
23)
Dam Busters Squadron
35)
They will fly on wings as Eagles/
Australian Flying Corp Association
12)
455 Squadron
24)
Catalina Squadron
MEMORIAL Memorial Reserve - Adelaide Airport
STUDENT ACTIVITIES cont’
Memorial Reserve Map
MEMORIAL Gelland War Memorial
ADDRESS
Corner of Rowell Crescent and Meill Street, Croydon
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The features of the Gelland War Memorial include:




A white broken column.
A tapered concrete pedestal.
A three-tier base.
Bronze wreathes affixed to each face with a white marble plaque
beneath.
Councillor F. Jessup ESQ. J.P. unveiled the Gelland War Memorial on April
27 1924. It was erected by the Gelland Soldiers Club in the memory of those
who lost their lives during The Great War.
Those who fell in World War II (1939-1945) and those who served in the
Malay Peninsular, (1948-1960 and 1964-65), Korea (1950-1954), Borneo
(1962- 1966) and Vietnam (1962 – 1973) have also been subsequently
commemorated.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
On Site
(1) The Gelland War Memorial features a distinctive broken column on top of the
pedestal. What do you think might be the significance of this choice of feature?
(2) What symbol appears on each face of the memorial?
(3) Motifs of war, which can be tragic and unendurably sad and at the same time
noble and uplifting – are present in virtually all post-war memorials of the Great
War, but each differs in the balance struck between the two motifs.
What features convey tragedy and nobility on the Gelland War Memorial?
(4) Approximately one in five or six soldiers who served overseas during World War I did not return to
Australia. By counting the names, which are inscribed on the memorial, approximately how many
soldiers do you think may have enlisted from the Gelland/Croydon area?
(5) Record the names of the two sets of brothers killed during the Great War for further research when
you return to the classroom. Make sure to include their initials.
Classroom
(6) Why do you think so many people lost their lives during World War I which for
the most part involved opposing armies engaged in trench warfare?
(7) Write a paragraph on the history of the wreath? What is its symbolic
significance?
(8) Confirm that the two sets of names you recorded in Question (5) were in fact
brothers. You can find the information by accessing the Australian War
Memorial website at
www.awm.gov.au > Biographical Databases > Roll of Honour
Enter their names, select ‘First World War, 1914 –1918’ and then ‘click’ on search. (PTO)
MEMORIAL Gelland War Memorial
STUDENT ACTIVITIES cont’
(You may need to page through the list of people with same surname to find the correct soldier).
The details you require will appear in the Circular Information, which forms part of the “Roll of
Honour” records. Hint: They enlisted in South Australia.
Their full names were;
George and Harry Herbert Davis and
Thomas Symington and William Stewart McKay.
(9) What was the average age of these four men when they lost their lives during World War I?
(10) How did the recruiting standards, including age requirements for Australian soldiers, change as the
First World War progressed and demands for fresh reinforcements increased? Refer to
www.awm.gov.au > encyclopedia > enlistment standards
Information required can be found under ‘Enlistment standards and statistics:– First World War’.
MEMORIAL Anzac Plaza Memorial
ADDRESS
Junction of Colley Terrace and Anzac Highway, Glenelg
BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Anzac Plaza, Glenelg, is the site of a
memorial complex comprising a foursegmented circular polished black granite and
stainless steel fenced centrepiece.

On the centrepiece is an etched wreath with
flowing ribbands under the hilt of an inverted
crusader's sword.

Below the wreath is the word in script:
remember.

In an arc around the west of the centrepiece are located six bluestone granite boulders (stones),
each with a title engraved on them.

The words engraved on the stones are Silence, Loss, Sacrifice, Respect, Love and Forgive. The
“Chorus of Stones” plays commemorative messages from South Australian returned service
personnel for 4 to 8 minutes daily between the hours 10.00 am and 7.00pm.

Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove, Chief of Army, officially opened the memorial at its
dedication on Sunday March 4 2001.

The memorial “commemorates all of the military conflicts that have involved Australian troops and
support services throughout our nation’s history. It is dedicated to the memory of those who have
served and the sacrifices they have made”.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
On Site
(1) Sacrifice has been a key theme in the language of
remembrance since memorials were built to honour those who
served in the Great War. It is also one of the words on one of
the six stones that form a feature of the Anzac Plaza Memorial
at Glenelg.
Why is this word so closely associated with war memorials?
(2) The inscription on the memorial centre panel reads, “All memorials are devoted to the idea of
memory and the sacred…They all maintain a connection to our past, and to our spiritual and
cultural roots”.
How does the recording/s at Anzac Plaza Memorial help achieve these objectives?
(3) Select a spoken story or stories and suggest how it contributes to your understanding of the
significance of the memorial.
Classroom
(4) What is the significance of the Crusaders sword and the wreaths which appear above the word
remembrance in the centrepiece of the memorial?
(5) What do the six words engraved on the rocks at Anzac Plaza Memorial say about how its creators
would like the experience of war to be remembered? (Silence, Loss, Sacrifice, Respect, Love and
Forgive)
MEMORIAL Henley and Grange Memorial Hall
ADDRESS
Corner of Seaview Road and North Street, Henley Beach
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Exterior
The Henley and Grange Memorial Hall was dedicated to those who
served in the Great War, 1914 –1918, by the residents of the town in
grateful recognition of their gallant deeds and noble sacrifice. The
Governor of South Australia Lieutenant Colonel Sir W.E.G.A. Weigall,
K.C.M.G, unveiled it on October 23 1921.
The insignia of the armed services are affixed to the building and are
immediately above the dedication plaque, from left to right; Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian
Imperial Force (AIF), Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF) and Merchant Navy (MN). Above these is a
stain-glassed window depicting a soldier on his knees below an effigy of Christ with a crown in his
hands. On either side are ionic columns with two shields and the flags of Australia and Britain. On the
top of the window is an arch and at the bottom there is a scroll.
The inscription on the Arch reads, “BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH & I WILL
GIVE THEE A CROWN OF LIFE”.
The inscriptions on the shields read, “DUTY NOBLY DONE & THEIR NAME LIVETH”.
The inscription on the scroll reads, “IN MEMORY OF THE MEN FROM HENLEY &
GRANGE WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR (1914-1918) FOR
GOD, FOR KING & COUNTRY, FOR LOVED ONES, HOME AND EMPIRE, FOR THE
SACRED CAUSE OF JUSTICE & THE FREEDOM OF THE WORLD.” ERECTED BY
THE WOMEN OF THE MUNICIPALITY 1922
On either side of the foundation stone are two more recent plaques. These commemorate those who
served in World War II (1939-1945) and those who served on the Malay Peninsula (1948-1960) & (1964
– 1965), Korea (1950-1953), Borneo (1962 –1966), Vietnam (1962 –1973) and the (first) Gulf War
(1990 – 1991).
Interior
Inside the building under the dome is a crypt containing a World War I Honour Roll and photographs of
some of the local servicemen who fell during the First World War.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
On Site
(1) Approximately one in five or six of the soldiers who served overseas during the First World War did
not return to Australia. Surprisingly, this lose of life was spread evenly across Australian
communities of the time. By counting the names of those servicemen with crosses next to their
names on the Henley and Grange 1914-1918 Service Roll calculate the ratio of servicemen from
this area who lost their lives during the Great War.
(2) Record the names of the two sets of brothers killed during the First World War for further research
when you return to the classroom. Make sure to include their initials.
(3) Many features of the stained glass window are highly symbolic. The images and inscriptions
combine to tell us much about the beliefs and values of those who erected this memorial to those
who served from the Henley and Grange area in The Great War.
List three such elements and comment on their significance.
MEMORIAL Henley and Grange Memorial Hall
STUDENT ACTIVITIES cont’
(4) The inscriptions and images on the windows on either side of the Henley and Grange RSL building
located directly behind and east of the Henley and Grange Town Hall commemorate those who
served in a more contemporary manner.
Describe the features of the two windows that appear on either side of the main entrance to the
Henley and Grange RSL Hall?
(5) Contrast the images on the windows in the Henley and Grange RSL building to the image in the
Town Hall.
What do you think are some of the major differences in their sentiment and style?
Classroom
(6) Complete the table below about the soldiers whose details you recorded in Question (2). You can
find the necessary information by accessing the Australian War Memorial website at
www.awm.gov.au > Biographical Databases > Roll of Honour
Enter each soldier’s surname, select ‘First World War, 1914 –1918’ and then‘click’ on search. (You
may need to page through the list of people with the same surname to find the correct soldier). The
details you require will appear in the Circular Information, which forms part of the “Roll of Honour”
records.




How old were they when they lost their lives?
What were their occupations or calling?
Where did they go to school?
What was the location (country) and date of their death?
Name
Age
Occupation
School
Country and Date of
Death
Joseph David
MAHONEY
Lloyd Leonard
MAHONEY
Alan Campbell
NOBLE
George Franklin
NOBLE
(7) Why do you think so many people lost their lives during World War I which for the most part
involved opposing armies engaged in trench warfare?
(8) What is the significance of the poppy and sprig of wattle which appear on the Henley and Grange
RSL Hall window?
MEMORIAL City of West Torrens Memorial Gardens
ADDRESS
Brooker Terrace, Hilton
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
 The central feature of the West Torrens Memorial Gardens is the white
marble Cross of Sacrifice. At the top of the cross is an inverted bronze
Crusader’s sword.
 A number of paths in the gardens radiate out from this central feature.
On the face of the pedestal are four plaques. To the left is a carved
effigy of an angel of mercy, to the right is an effigy of a blacksmith over
an anvil. In the centre and at the back of the pedestal there is an effigy
of a wreath. On each side of the pedestal are bronze flag supporters.
 The memorial features a number of bronze commemorative plaques.
These include one in the memory of the fallen from the two World
Wars, Malaya, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War and another
commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II.
 The West Torrens Memorial Garden was dedicated and the Cross of Sacrifice unveiled by the
Governor Sir Charles W.M. Norrie K.C.M.G, C.B., D.S.O, M.C. on Sunday April 5 1951.
Other monuments in the City of West Torrens Memorial Gardens include:
 A memorial erected by the Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association of South Australia, to honour their
members who served their country in the armed forces of Greece was unveiled on Greek National
Day, 25 March 2002.
 A memorial erected by the National Servicemen’s Association to their comrades which was unveiled
on 13 February 1999.
 A memorial commemorating the centenary of the departure of the first Australian contingent to the
Boer War of 1899 – 1902 which was unveiled on the 31 October 1999.
 A plaque on Brooker Terrace, which was unveiled on Anzac Day 2000, that commemorates the
formal naming of the area as the City of West Torrens Memorial Gardens.
 The gardens are also home to a World War II vintage “25 pounder” artillery piece. Vintage weapons
are frequently found in war memorial parks and gardens.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
On Site
(1) In what direction is the Cross of Sacrifice facing? Hint: Think in terms of the
direction of the sun as it passes over the monument from the morning and
afternoon.
Can you suggest the significance of this positioning?
(2) Locate the plaque that was unveiled on the 25 March 2002. Why was the
unveiling date selected? Why do you think Ex-Servicemen of Greece are
commemorated in these gardens?
(3) What event does the memorial dedicated on the 31 October 1999 commemorate?
By examining the information contained on the inscription why do you think that a memorial to
South Australians who served in a war 100 years ago may be relevant today?
MEMORIAL City of West Torrens Memorial Gardens
STUDENT ACTIVITIES cont’
(4) Locate the plaque in the gardens dedicated to those who enlisted and undertook National Service
in the Australian Armed Services.
By examining the design of the emblems on the left hand face of the memorial what armed
services did National Servicemen serve with from 1951 to 1972?
Classroom
(5) What are the origins of the Cross of Sacrifice? The war memorial
erected in the City of West Torrens Memorial Gardens takes the
form of a Cross of Sacrifice.
(6) The members of the National Servicemen’s Association were
conscripted to either the National Service Scheme, which
commenced in 1951 and was abolished in 1959, or the more
controversial period of conscription between 1964 and 1972.
Research which Australian Government introduced these two programs and find out why they were
eventually abolished.
City of West Torrens Memorial Gardens
MEMORIAL South East Asian Forces Memorial
ADDRESS
Port Road, Hindmarsh (100m West of Bus Stop 7)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The memorial is a diagonal metal arch. Each arch has steel cutouts
depicting relevant details of a conflict period. In the centre is a red
granite block that has conflicts engraved on the four faces of its base. At
the lower corner of each arch there are bronze plaques with the areas
of conflict that involved Australians in South East Asia between 1948
and 1973. On one face of the monolith in the centre of the memorial is a
plaque which was unveiled by Lt. Gen. Sir Donald Dunstan AC, KBE,
CB on the 18 August 1996. Below this is the insignia of the three armed
services.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
On Site
(1) What are the Vietnam War images that appear on the arch?
(2) What are the Korean War images that appear on the arch?
(3) What are the Malay Emergency – Malay Conflict images which
appear on the arch?
(4) What are the Borneo (or Indonesian Confrontation) images which
appear on the arch?
(5) Complete the following from the text on the memorial.
This memorial is dedicated to those Australians who served in Cold War conflicts from 19
19
.
to
Classroom
(6) What periods were Australian forces involved in fighting in each of the following Cold War conflicts?
Korean War
Malayan Emergency
Indonesian Confrontation
Vietnam War
(7) Teachers should refer to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs 2004 Anzac Day
Publication, ‘Working the Web – Investigating Australia’s Wartime History’
Investigation 7, which has a range of activities designed for Secondary
students using a variety of internet sites. These resources were distributed to
all South Australian Schools in March 2004.
MEMORIAL HMCS Protector Memorials
ADDRESS
North Parade adjacent North Parade Wharf and Jenkins Street, Port Adelaide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Port Adelaide has two memorials that commemorate the service of the
South Australian colonial warship the HMCS Protector.
One memorial is located on North Parade and features a bronze plaque
that commemorates the Centenary of the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 and the
embarkation of the HMCS Protector, which sailed for the war in China on
the 6 August 1900.
The second memorial is located on Jenkins Street and features a six inch
Naval Deck Gun. This gun, from the HMCS Protector, was originally
located at Semaphore. The memorial was constructed “in memory of
those who served in the Royal Australian Navy who gave their lives to
the service of their country and community”.
FURTHER INVESTIGATION/READING
After viewing the memorials students should read the following extracts relating to the HMCS Protector
and associated extracts and answer the questions that follow.
The South Australian Colonial Navy: HMCS Protector
The PROTECTOR was the first naval ship
ordered by the South Australian Government
for the express purpose of defending our
shores. Public opinion, and disquiet, at the lack
of British interest in the defence of Australia
had eventually forced the passing of the
Imperial Colonial Defence Act in 1865. This act
enabled individual colonies to raise their own
naval force, but only Victoria, Queensland and
South Australia responded. The lack of money resulted in little action until the threat, by the Royal
Navy in 1880, to take back responsibility forced the colonies into action. By 1887 the Australasian
Defence Act was passed and an Auxiliary Squadron formed to protect trade.
Her Majesty's Colonial Ship Protector had been ordered from the British firm of
Sir W.G. Armstrong & Co. of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1882, and was delivered
on 30 September 1884. She was a small steel-hulled cruiser with an overall
length of 185 feet, beam of 30 feet, draught of 12 ft 6 in, and displacement of
920 tons. She carried a relatively heavy armament for her size: one 8-inch gun,
five 6-inch, all breechloaders, and four Hotchkiss 3-pounders as well as Gatling
(machine) guns. The two engines of 50 nominal horsepower moved her along at
14 knots or 25.9 kilometres per hour.
The Protector's crew was made up of a core of professional men, augmented by
reservists who could be called up on mobilisation. In 1900 Captain C.J. Clare
took over the ship as commandant, replacing Captain W.R. Creswell RN who
had moved to Queensland as the commander of the Marine Force there.
However, Creswell regained command of the vessel upon her departure from
Queensland for China during the Boxer engagement. He was later recognised
as the father of the modern Australian Navy. The chief gunner was E. Argent
and the surgeon Dr Morris, who built Kembla House at 55 St Vincent Street,
Port Adelaide. He was a great character in the district and a noted pugilist.
Rear Admiral Sir William
Rooke Creswell KCMG KBE
CMG
MEMORIAL HMCS Protector Memorials
FURTHER INVESTIGATION/READING cont’
The Boxer Rebellion
One late winter's day in 1900, the Cape Otway signal station reported HMCS Protector heading east on
a voyage from Adelaide to Sydney to take part in a combined maritime enterprise at Hong Kong with
the British, French, Russians and Japanese. On hearing of the 'strength' of our force, a Frenchman was
heard to remark 'A one-ship navy? Then you are in no danger of collisions in your fleet'. This enterprise
however was no joke, but the real thing. We were joining forces with the eastern Colonies at the call of
the Mother Country, England in a show of force aimed at quelling the Boxer Rebellion. Why marines?
At the time the army was fully extended with the Boer War, and it was common practice for the navy of
the day to be prepared for duty on shore.
The Boxer Rebellion in China was essentially a fierce Chinese backlash against the evangelical
Western missionaries and their converts, plus the spread of European railways, which threatened the
livelihoods of the peasants. After a century of decay and disintegration, the central Chinese
Government and the Ching Dynasty were on the verge of collapse, with the foreign devils (the
Europeans) all scrambling for Spheres of Influence, as in Africa. Trade was the great prize.
The I He Tuan, or Righteous Harmony Group, became corrupted to the I He Chuan, which translated
became the Righteous Harmony Fists. One step further and the North China Daily News coined the
phrase 'Boxers' by which they are known to this day. The embassies in Peking were under siege and
before the end of hostilities, over 300 Westerners and 30,000 Chinese were dead. Our fledgling force
sailed under the command of Captain Creswell, the Articles of War were read, and it had the chance to
show just what the Colonials were capable of achieving.
Training continued throughout the voyage. The engines were augmented with sail wherever possible,
giving a speed of 11 knots or more. The Protector safely weathered a typhoon while travelling between
the coaling station in the Philippines and Hong Kong. Once there Creswell was able to have her painted
thoroughly and her stores fully replenished. The blue ensign of the Colony of South Australia was
lowered and the white ensign of the Royal Navy hoisted, thus she became HMS Protector of the China
Station. It had been planned that the ship should capture the fortifications at Shanghai-Kwan, but this
objective had already been achieved by HMS Pygmy. Similarly, the Russians had beaten them to
another fort. Most of the Protector's remaining time in China was spent moving men and stores
between the two forts, and carrying despatches. Various personnel were engaged in specific jobs such
as mine-removal and survey work. The Admiralty eventually decided to dispense with the Protector's
services and after essential work was carried out in Hong Kong she was decommissioned and sailed
for Australia. In Brisbane, Captain Creswell again relinquished command to Captain Clare.
In Sydney, the men took part in the celebrations on 1 January 1901 establishing the Commonwealth of
Australia, and then sailed for Port Adelaide. The ship had been absent five months and steamed over
16,000 nautical miles without incident and with impressive behaviour of the crew.
The day after her arrival home, a 'welcome back' social was held in the Port Adelaide Town Hall. The
following day the ship went to Largs Bay to pay off, with each reserve member being given two weeks
pay as a gratuity. The haggling over the amount of money the South Australian Government had spent
on the deployment went on for at least another eighteen months.
The Protector's subsequent career
In 1911 the Protector became a ship of the Royal Australian Navy. Despite
her age, she was considered suitable for war service as late as 1914 and
performed very useful work during World War I. She had been re-armed
and mounted with three 4-inch, two 12-pounder, and four 3-pounder guns.
She operated as a parent ship to the submarines AE1 and AE2, which
were to become the only Australian ships lost during the war. Later she
used her 4-inch guns to good effect as a port guard ship at Rabaul.
MEMORIAL HMCS Protector Memorials
FURTHER INVESTIGATION/READING cont’
After the destruction of the German cruiser Emden, the Protector was sent to the Cocos Islands to
report on the wreck before assuming tender duties at Westernport in January 1916. She remained on
these duties, being renamed Cerberus on 1 April 1921, but in 1924 reverted to her original name and
was laid up in June.
Eventually the Protector was sold for £677.10 and in 1931 was resold to the Victorian Lighterage
Company. She operated as a wool and coal lighter under the name Sidney until requisitioned by the
U.S. Army in 1943. During the voyage under tow to New Guinea in the charge of Australian Army water
transport personnel, she collided with a tug off Gladstone and broke adrift. In order to avoid her
becoming a shipping hazard, the nearly 80-year-old hull was beached on Heron Island for use as a
breakwater.
Such was the fate of this ship whose name is still so revered by our historians and whose memory is
held in great affection by a very large number of South Australians.
Source: http://www.picknowl.com.au/homepages/malcolm/shippass.htm#south
HMCS Protector
HMCS Protector was completed in 1884 for the South Australian
government. As the Colony's only warship, the Protector was
employed to patrol South Australia's coastal waters. It was
purchased during the same period the fortifications were also being
erected (at Fort Largs). The Protector served for three months in
Chinese waters without seeing action. In 1911 the ship passed to
the Royal Australian Navy and in 1914 saw active service around
New Guinea.
Source: http://www.awm.gov.au/virtualtour/colonial.htm
South Australia’s Colonial Defences
South Australia's major colonial defences comprised the forts
at Largs and Glanville, both located on the coast facing into
Gulf St Vincent (the forts were linked by Military Road from
Glenelg to Largs); the Torpedo Station on Port River; and the
cruiser Protector, which was in service from 1884. The military
installations also played some part in the 1914–18 and 1939–
45 wars.
Fort Glanville was built between 1878 and 1880 and is the
most complete example of a 19th century coastal artillery fort
in Australia. In 1880 the Fort was completed and its guns
mounted and fired. However by 1900 the fort was being maintained by a lone caretaker. It was used
briefly during World War I and in the 1930s when the Boy Scouts used it as a campsite. Most of the
metal at the fort was removed for scrap in 1937. The State Government purchased the fort in 1951 and
in 1981 it was opened to the public. Restoration is ongoing. The Fort retains its original guns and
comprises gun emplacements, magazines, guard room, barracks, gunners mess, officers quarters,
stores and more, serving as a reminder of our colonial commitment to Britain. The Fort is staffed by
volunteer members of the Fort Glanville Historical Association who provide a unique living history
interpretive display of military drill, including cannon and carbine firing on the third Sunday of each
month during September to May.
Source: http://www.traveldownunder.com.au/South_Australia/Adelaide/Fort_Glanville.asp
MEMORIAL HMCS Protector Memorials
FURTHER INVESTIGATION/READING cont’
Did you know?
Did you know that before 1901 South Australia had its own Army and Navy. In 1865 the government of
South Australia voted a sum of $40,000 (more than a million dollars in today’s money) for the defence
of the colony. In 1882 legislation was passed in South Australia for the building of its own war ship. It
arrived at Port Adelaide on 30 September 1884 and was called the HMCS Protector. During the 1880s
and well into the early 1900s South Australia had its own Torpedo Station with ten torpedoes. The
torpedoes remained in their crates and were never used as there was no torpedo boat.
Source: http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/defence.htm
Boxer Uprising: China 1900-1901
During the nineteenth century the major European powers compelled
a reluctant Chinese Empire to start trading with them. There was little
the Chinese Government wanted from the west at that time, but there
was a strong demand for opium among the population. In the Opium
Wars of the 1860s the British had forced the Chinese to accept the
import of opium in return for Chinese goods, and trading centres were
established at major ports. The largest of these was Shanghai, where
French, German, British and US merchants demanded large tracts of
A Boxer gun structure on the wall of the
land in which they asserted "extra-territorial" rights, meaning that they
Imperial City during the Boxer Uprising.
were subject to the laws of their own country, not those of China. It
was in Shanghai that the legendary sign appeared in a park near one of these European compounds:
"No dogs or Chinamen". The incapacity of the Chinese government to resist these inroads on its
sovereignty, and to withstand further demands from the Europeans, such as the right to build railways
and other concessions, caused much resentment among large sections of the population and
eventually led to the Chinese revolution of 1911, which toppled the imperial dynasty.
By the end of the nineteenth century the balance of the lucrative trade between China and merchants
from America and Europe, particularly Britain, lay almost entirely in the West's favour. As Western
influence increased, anti-European secret societies began to form. Among the most violent and popular
of these was the I-ho-ch'uan, which translates as the "Righteous and Harmonious Fists". Dubbed "the
Boxers" by western correspondents, they gave the Boxer Rebellion its name.
Throughout 1899, the I-ho-ch'uan and other militant societies combined in a campaign against
westerners and westernised Chinese. Missionaries and other civilians were killed, western women
were raped and European property was destroyed. By March 1900 the uprising had spread beyond the
secret societies, and the western powers decided to intervene, partly to protect their nationals, but
mainly to counter the threat to their territorial and trade ambitions.
By the end of May 1900 Britain, Italy and the United States had warships anchored off the Chinese
coast at Taku, the nearest port to Peking, and armed contingents from France, Germany, Austria,
Russia and Japan were on their way to China. In June, as a western force marched on Peking, the
Dowager Empress, T'zu-hsi, sent imperial troops to support the Boxers against them. As the conflict
widened, further western reinforcements were dispatched to China.
As the conflict escalated the Australian colonies were keen to offer
material support to Britain. With the bulk of their forces engaged in
South Africa, they looked to their navies to provide men for the war in
China; these provided a pool of professional, full-time crews, as well as
reservist-volunteers, including many ex-naval men. The reservists were
mustered into naval brigades in which the training was geared towards
coastal defence by sailors capable of both ship handling and fighting as
soldiers.
MEMORIAL HMCS Protector Memorials
FURTHER INVESTIGATION/READING cont’
When the first of the Australian contingents, mostly from New South Wales and Victoria, sailed on 8
August 1900, troops from eight other nations were already engaged in China. On arrival, they were
quartered in Tientsin and immediately ordered to provide 300 men to join a force sent to capture the
Chinese forts at Pei Tang which overlooked the inland rail route. The 300 Australians were a small part
of an 8,000-strong force made up of troops from Russia, Germany, Austria, British India and some
Chinese troops serving under British officers. The Australians travelled apart from the main body of
troops, and by the time they arrived at Pei Tang the battle was already over.
The next action in which the Australians (Victorian troops this time) were involved was against the
Boxer fortress at Pao-ting Fu, where the Chinese Government was believed to have sought refuge
when Peking was taken by western forces. The Victorians joined a force of 7,500 on the ten-day march
to the fort, only to find that the town had already surrendered; the closest they came to the enemy was
to guard prisoners. The international column then marched back to Tientsin, leaving a trail of looted
villages behind them.
While the Victorians marched to Pao-ting Fu and back, the NSW contingent was undertaking garrison
duties in Peking. They had arrived on 22 October after a 12-day march. They remained in Tientsin and
Peking over winter, performing police and guard duties and sometimes working as railwaymen and firefighters. Although they took little part in combat, the Australian forces did play a role in the restoration of
civil order, and an aspect of this work involved shooting (by firing squad) Chinese caught setting fire to
buildings or committing other offences against European property or persons. The officers and men of
the Australian contingents were dissatisfied with the nature of the duties they were asked to undertake.
They had expected martial adventure and the opportunity to distinguish themselves in battle, but they
had arrived in China too late to take part in significant combat.
The entire naval brigade left China in March 1901. Six Australians had died of sickness and injury no
one was killed as a result of enemy action. While they had been away the colonies from which they
sailed only nine months before had become a Federal Commonwealth and Queen Victoria had died in
England.
Source: http://www.awm.gov.au/atwar/boxer.htm
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Classroom
Having read the articles above students will be able answer the following questions
(1) Why is the HMCS Protector so important in the history of the armed services in South Australia and
the Port Adelaide area?
(2) In what conflicts did the HMCS Protector serve in some capacity during its proud history of
maritime service?
(3) What other important coastal defences were erected in the Port Adelaide area during the late
1800s?
(4) The officers and men of the Australian contingents, including those
on the HMCS Protector that were sent to the Boxer Rebellion, were
dissatisfied with the nature of the duties they were asked to
undertake.
Why were they dissatisfied with their roles?
MEMORIAL Rosewater War Memorial
ADDRESS
Southwest Cnr Eric Sutton Reserve, cnr of Canning St and Chad St, Rosewater
BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Rosewater War Memorial is a grey granite rough cut monument comprising a
Cross of Sacrifice mounted on a pedestal.

Bronze plaques are affixed to the base of the cross and the surbase. The pedestal
face is polished and all details are in white.

It was unveiled on April 15 1922 and “erected as a tribute of pride by the women of
Rosewater in honour of the men who died for King and Country in the Great War
of 1914 – 1919”.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
On Site
(1) What conflicts are commemorated on the Rosewater War Memorial?
(2) Approximately one in five or six of the Australian soldiers who served overseas,
during the First World War, did not return home. Based upon the names of those
who lost their lives which are recorded on the Rosewater War Memorial calculate
how many men are likely to have enlisted from the area?
(3) How many family names appear more than once on the memorial?
(4) Record the family name and initials of the most frequently occurring name inscribed on the
Rosewater War Memorial for further research when you return to the classroom.
(5) The language of remembrance provides insights into community attitudes to the war. These are
reflected by the inscriptions chosen by those who are responsible for the erection of war
memorials.
Taking this into account, what does the epitaph, “He died the noblest death a man can die fighting
for God, truth and loyalty and such a death is immortality”, suggest about the attitudes and values
of those who erected the Rosewater War Memorial?
Classroom
(6) The type of cross which is located on top of the Rosewater War Memorial is
known as a Cross of Sacrifice.
What are the origins of the Cross of Sacrifice?
(7) The tragic loss of the four Weaver brothers from Rosewater is believed to be the
largest suffered by any individual family in the state of South Australia during
World War I. Complete the table on the following page regarding the Weaver
brothers whose initials you recorded in Question (4). You can find the necessary
information by accessing the Australian War Memorial website at
www.awm.gov.au > Biographical Databases > Roll of Honour
Enter each soldier’s surname, select ‘First World War, 1914-1918’ and then ‘click’ on search. (You
may need to page through the list of people with same surname to find the correct soldiers).
MEMORIAL Rosewater War Memorial
STUDENT ACTIVITIES cont’
The details you require will appear in the Circular Information, which forms part of the “Roll of
Honour” records.
Christian names
Age
Cause Of Death
Place of Death
Alfred Charles
Charles John
Frederick Henry
William Alfred
(8) Write a brief newspaper article for the local Messenger newspaper or school newsletter regarding
the deaths of the four brothers. You can find information on the campaigns at Gallipoli, France and
Egypt and life as an Australian Prisoner of War in Germany during World War I on the Australian
War Memorial website at
www.awm.gov.au
and use your imagination! You may wish to include a fictional interview with George and/or Clara
Weaver the parents of the four boys talking about their loss. You should include a photo of
Australian troops overseas during World War I with your story.
MEMORIAL Semaphore War Memorial
ADDRESS
Esplanade, Semaphore. Junction Semaphore Rd immediately in front of jetty
BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Semaphore War Memorial takes the form of an ornate clock tower.

A white marble winged angel of peace is mounted on the top of a three
tier cap. The cap is supported from the main pillar by four ionic columns.

Contained within the pillars are clock dials on all four faces.

The main tower is of granite block construction.

A bronze wreath is affixed to the face of the main pillar. The lower right
corner stone of the main pillar is also engraved.

The clock tower was built ‘in memory of all who fell in the Great War 1914
– 1919’. It was unveiled on the 24 May 1925 by the President of the
Semaphore and Port Adelaide sub branch of the R.S.&S.I.L, the
forerunner of the RSL (Returned and Services League).

The cornerstone was laid by a Mr Macnuswald, on behalf of the parents of those who fell, on 27
April 1924.

Subsequently a plaque has been added which reads, “in memory of all those who served”;
WORLD WAR II
KOREA
SOUTH EAST ASIA
MALAYA
BORNEO
VIETNAM
UNITED NATIONS OPERATIONS
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
On Site
(1) Sketch or photograph the Semaphore Clock Tower.
(2) List three features of this unique tribute to those who died in the Great War.
Classroom
(3) What do you think might be the symbolic significance of the Angel of Peace
and the clock?
MEMORIAL St Margaret’s Anglican Church, Church of Saint Margaret of Scotland
ADDRESS
Corner of Port Road and Woodville Road, Woodville
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Inside the Lych Gate which is located at the south east entrance to the church
grounds are four stainless steel plaques and at the lower front right is a marble
foundation stone.
A Lych Gate is a roofed in gateway to a churchyard in which a bier (a stand on which
a corpse or coffin is placed) might stand while the initial part of the burial service is
read. The word derives from the Middle English language, Lyche = Body; Yate =
Gate.
Originally, the World War I commemorative plaques were made of brass but owing to
deterioration over time they were replaced by stainless steel when the gate was
totally restored. These plaques bear the names of those parishioners who served
and those who lost their lives during the Great War 1914-1919. The names appear in
order of enlistment for those who served and by the year of death for those who lost
their lives.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
On Site
(1) Record the Latin inscriptions relating to both those who served and those who lost their lives during
the Great War for further research when you return to the classroom.
(2) Record the name of the Victoria Cross winner who enlisted in 1914. Hint: The letters
V.C. appear after his name.
(3) Record the names of the Military Medal winners who enlisted in 1915 and 1916. Hint:
The letters M.M. appear after their name.
(4) Record the name of the Military Medal winner who lost his life in 1917.
(5) Record the full names of the brothers who died at Gallipoli in 1915.
Classroom
(6) Find out from the internet or other sources the English translation of the Latin
phrases you recorded in Question (1).
(7) The three soldiers whose names you recorded in Question (3) and (4) were
awarded Military Medals in the First World War. You can find the information
by accessing the Australian War Memorial website at
www.awm.gov.au > Biographical Databases >Honour and Awards >
Honours and Awards (Recommendations: First World War).
Enter each soldiers surname and christian name, ‘click’ on search. Then ‘click’ on the
recommendation to find out why they each won this award.
(8) Complete the table on the following page about the two Davis brothers, whose details you recorded
in Question (5). You can find the information by accessing the Australian War Memorial website at
MEMORIAL St Margaret’s Anglican Church, Church of Saint Margaret of Scotland
STUDENT ACTIVITIES cont’
www.awm.gov.au > Biographical Databases > Roll of Honour
Enter each soldier’s surname, select ‘First World War, 1914 –1918’ and then ‘click’ on search.
(You may need to page through the list of people with the same surname to find the correct
soldier). The details you require will appear in the Circular Information, which forms part of the “Roll
of Honour” records. Hint: They enlisted in South Australia.
Christian
Names
Date of Death
Place wounded
or killed
Calling
(Occupation)
(9) Arthur Seaforth Blackburn was a parishioner at St Margaret’s Anglican Church
and was a famous South Australian soldier and citizen.
Find out what significant feat he achieved on the day of the Gallipoli landing
(25 April 1915) and what award he won at Pozieres in France on 23 July
1916.
School