Gosford War Memorial circa 1981.
Gwen Dundon photograph, GCL.
Gosford War Memorial: a history
“Their Names Liveth Forever More”
By Dr. Richard G. Van Wirdum
World War 1 left behind a vast legacy of sorrow. The loss of sixty thousand (60,000)
Australians meant that scarcely a family in Australia was left untouched. Yet for
many, the sadness was delayed or unresolved. Theirs was a lasting grief. The lack of
details about the fate of more than twenty-three thousand (23,000) missing soldiers
delayed the grief for their families. Even into the 1920’s many clung to the slim hope
that perhaps a mistake had been made and their son, brother or husband might still be
alive but unable to find his way home. Australia’s distance from the fighting meant
that it was impossible to return the war dead, who were buried in the huge
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 1
Commonwealth War Cemeteries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In the
absence of a body to bury and a grave site to commemorate their loss, the bereaved
had to find other ways to cope with the enduring grief. Communities in nearly every
Australian city and town also mourned their losses and marked the service of local
men and woman by building memorials and erecting rolls of honour.1
The ideas put forward by the local people on what form the Gosford Memorial should
take caused much resentment and bickering amongst the residents, with each having
their ideas on how best to remember the fallen. The problem was that in nearly every
case the person making the suggestion was thinking what was the best solution for the
local community, not what was the best way of preserving the memory of those who
died in the Great War as the following will show.
On Thursday, February 3, 1921, a public meeting had been convened by the Shire
President for that evening at the Gosford School of Arts to discuss matters in
connection with the proposed Soldiers’ Memorial. Various suggestions were made at
the meeting as to the best form the Memorial should take, and it was for the meeting
to decide that very question. At that time over one hundred pounds (£100*) had been
raised by the Returned R.S. & S. I. L. A at Gosford towards the Memorial and it was
requested to state by the Gosford Sub-branch that it was perfectly satisfied to abide by
the decision arrived at by the members of the public. Though somewhat late in the
day, it was hoped that the residents of town and surrounding district would take this
matter up in an earnest manner and that there would be a large and representative
meeting held on the 10th.
The local paper, the Gosford Times noted that columns could be written and printed
reminding the local population of their duty to those who had made the supreme
sacrifice and also the people’s obligation to those who, having done their bit in the
Great War had been spared to return to their loved ones, home and country. The
people at the meeting was told that the State Organiser of the R.S. & S. I. L. A.,
(Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia), would attend the
1
National Archives of Australia, 2008, Shell-Shocked, Australia After Armistice, national Archives of
Australia
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 2
meeting on February 10, and that an extra-ordinary general meeting of the local Subbranch would be held that same evening.2
At that meeting held on Thursday, February 10, at the Gosford School of Arts,
convened by the Shire President, Mr R. J. Baker, who occupied the chair for the
purpose of deciding as to what form the proposed Soldiers Memorial at Gosford
should take. Also there was Mr McConaghy, Organiser for the R. S. & S. I. L. A.,
occupying a seat on the platform. There was a large and representative attendance of
townsmen and district residents, including many ladies. Mr Baker addressed the
gathering and referred to the previous meeting that had been held, where it had been
decided to investigate the proposal to erect a Memorial Hall in Gosford, but which
proposition was found at the time to be impracticable for certain reasons. It was now
desired some other form of Memorial be considered, whereby the memory of the local
boys might be perpetuated.
Mr Baker read apologies from Mr Turvin Studds and Mr J. J. Frewin. Mr Charles Hill
was appointed Honorary Secretary pro. temp. Rev. Arthur Renwick referred to the
fact that though Gosford was late in bringing matters to a head in regard to a definite
move to erect a Memorial, it was in good company saying that the old town of Oxford
in England had yet to take the step in having a war memorial. He urged the meeting to
adopt a strenuous attitude and bring to fruition the intention so often expressed that
something would shortly be done to perpetuate the memory of the fallen. He moved
that a Memorial be instituted. This motion was seconded by Captain G. I. Adcock,
President of the Gosford Sub-branch of the R. S. & S. I. L. A. and was carried with
enthusiasm by those at the meeting.
Mr E. K. White, Past President of the Gosford Sub-branch moved that the Memorial
take the form of Public Baths to be erected off Waterside Park, where Bluetongue
Stadium now stands. One hundred and forty pounds (£140) was on hand at the time,
collected by the R. S. & S. I. L. A and he suggested that if sufficient money could be
obtained that an up-to-date Baths be the objective, with the ladies and gents
apartments and all appurtenances, boatsheds and possibly refreshment rooms
* One pound =two Australian dollars
2
Baker Robert James, 1921. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, February 3. Mann St. Gosford
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 3
attached, with a returned soldier being given the position of caretaker. He suggested
that each wage-earner in Gosford and the surrounding district might donate one day’s
pay and that business people give in proportion. He mentioned a sum of two thousand
pounds (£2,000) to two thousand five hundred pounds (£2,500*) as an objective for
the purpose. The motion was seconded by Mr F. C. Warmoll.
Mr Kibble moved as an amendment that the Memorial take the form of a Cottage
Hospital, mentioning that about four hundred pounds (£400) was in hand and a site set
apart. Mr Walter Eaton seconded the motion. Mrs Pointer suggested that the parents
of the soldiers be asked to decide the form which the Memorial should take. Before
the motions and amendments were put to the meeting Mr McConaghy was asked to
give his experience of what other towns were doing in the matter of erecting suitable
Memorials. He spoke of several instances and referred to what was done at
Cootamundra, where after due consideration a Repatriation Fund amounting to four
thousand two hundred pounds (£4,200) was collected and later a Literary Institute was
erected in addition, returned soldiers being allowed life membership and the use of a
club room built in the institute for the purpose. McConaghy expressed the hope that
what was decided would meet with the approval of everybody and that all would work
harmoniously to bring the scheme, whatever it was, to fruition.
Mr Baker addressed the gathering and favouring the proposal regarding the erection
of Baths, saw no difficulty in financing the scheme which would ultimately become
self-supporting whilst the other proposition, the Hospital, worthy as it appeared,
presented difficulties, which on the experiences of other centres might be intensified
in this locality for many reasons. Mrs Harris at this stage suggested that a chiming
clock be installed as a Memorial in some prominent part of the town. This was
seconded by Mrs Gell. The amendments were both defeated on a show of hands and
the motion that Public Baths be erected as a Memorial was carried by an
overwhelming majority. Captain Adcock referred to the League’s attitude towards the
Memorial. They regarded the matter as wholly a public one and preferring not to take
the lead and would loyally support the movement.
Mr D. E. Mobbs was appointed Honorary Secretary on the motion of Mr E. K. White
and Mr Eaton. Mr Charles Hills was appointed Honorary Treasurer of the Funds on
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 4
the motion of Mr White and Mr Kibble. Rev. Arthur Renwick moved that the
Committee be comprised of twelve, made up of four ladies, four gentlemen (civilians)
and four returned men. Being seconded by Mr Parry, the motion was put to the
meeting and was carried. The following Committee was then elected. Ladies: Mrs
Dermondy, Fielder, Wheeler and Campbell; Returned soldiers were G. I. Adcock, E.
K. White, I. C. Warmoll and G. Frewin (elected by the League at a later meeting); the
civilians were H. G. Parry, R. J. Baker, C. K. Adrian and Rev. Arthur Renwick.
Mr Baker then appealed for subscriptions and was largely successful and the
following amounts were promised in the Hall.
Anonymous
R. J. Baker
White Family
Mrs Fielder
Rev. Arthur Renwick
Aug. Harvey
P. B. McCauley
Mrs Dermody
N. J. Harris
D. J. Burgin
James Kibble
Mrs Kibble
F. C. Warmoll
W. H. Weiss
F. Wheeler
S. J. Argett
A. N. Muir
E. E. Muir
W. S. Moase
W. Eaton
R. Weeks
Mrs T. Campbell
G. H. Adcock
G. I. Adcock
William Morris
A. Sterland
W. E. Kirkness
W. J. Coulter
Bert Coulter
J. Lloyd
H. G. Parry
H. Young
J. J. Earnshaw
H. Bale
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
£
s
d
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Page 5
Mrs Buscombe
David Jenkins
Girls’ Patriotic Society
1
1
17
1
1
0
0
0
0
Mr Baker then announced that the amount subscribed in the Hall had exceeded one
hundred pounds (£100*). The anonymous party who had donated the first ten guineas
would add another ten guineas to his donation and loud cheers were heard. The total
then reached one hundred and thirty-six pounds ten shillings (£136/10/-), which
converts to two hundred and seventy-three dollars. The Chairman intimated on
thanking the public for the fine attendance and excellent start in the Funds and that Mr
H. J. Gates, architect, late of Gosford, had promised to draw the required plans and
specifications and personally attend the erection of the proposed Baths free of costs
and his share towards the Memorial. A vote of thanks to the Chairman was proposed
by Rev. Renwick, who congratulated the President of the Shire upon the success of
the meeting.3
However, not everybody was happy with the suggestion of having a Public Baths as a
Memorial. An extensively signed petition was handed to the President of the Shire
Council stating as follows;
We, the undersigned parents and friends of the fallen soldiers,
hereby protest against the erection of Swimming Baths as a
Soldiers’ Memorial, and ask that a public meeting be called
to select some institution more in keeping with the sacrifice
made.
The President of the Shire called for a public meeting to be held at the Gosford
School of Arts on Monday evening on 20 June, 1921, at the request of a number of
town and district petitioners to protest against the erection of Swimming Baths.4
The public meeting was one of the largest public meetings held at Gosford at that
time. Councillor R. J. Baker occupied the chair and others on the platform included
the Rev. Arthur Renwick. Mr Charles Hills, H. G. Parry, F. C. Warmoll, G. Frewin,
D. E. Mobbs, Captain Adcock and Mrs Thomas Campbell, members of the Memorial
Committee. An apology was received for the absence of Mrs Dermody.
* One pound =two Australian dollars
3
Baker Robert James, 1921. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, February 17. Mann St. Gosford
4
Baker Robert James, 1921. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, June 2. Mann St. Gosford
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 6
The Chairman explained that the meeting had been convened by him in response to a
requisition, the object of the petition being “to select some Memorial Institution more
in keeping with the spirit of the sacrifice that was made.” In congratulating Gosford
upon the record gathering, he explained that on 10th February last a public meeting
had been called at which it was decided by a large majority that an Memorial Baths
should be erected fronting Waterside Park. A Committee had been chosen and about
one hundred pounds (£100*) had been collected. The result would have been greater,
but that there was a feeling in certain quarters that the Memorial should take the form
of a Cottage Hospital. He hoped that whatever was decided at this meeting that night,
finality was reached so that the people would unite whole-heartedly in establishing
some Memorial to those who had done so much for them.
The Chairman read a letter from the Erina Shire Progress Association League
addressed to Mr J. Kibble in support of the Hospital proposal. Mr W. E. Kirkness
said he had signed the requisition and that he was in favour of a Hospital, but
because he had heard a lot of dissatisfaction about the Memorial taking the form of
Swimming Baths, and he wanted to see the matter re-opened. He hoped that personal
feelings would be forgotten and that the meeting would evolve some scheme that
would suitably honour the men who had given the best that was in them. So far as his
opinion went he did not think Gosford could support a hospital which would costs at
least twelve hundred pounds (£1,200*) a year to maintain.
Mr A. C. Guerin said that as a returned soldier he was opposed to the Baths scheme
and he supported the Hospital proposal. He moved a motion “that in the opinion of
this meeting the best form the War Memorial could take would be a Cottage
Hospital.” He then dwelt on the absolute necessity that existed for a local hospital
and said it was not required for the soldiers but for the whole of the people of
Gosford and the surrounding district. A Hospital would in his opinion be supported
and as a Memorial would be worthy of the occasion and would be something that
would stand the test of time.
Mr G. E. Cross seconded the motion and speaking on behalf of the local Labour
League said that they were behind the Hospital movement. He was totally opposed to
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 7
the Baths scheme and said the soldiers were entitled to something better to perpetuate
the deeds performed by them. Nothing he said could be better than a Hospital and
that such an institution was required at Gosford. He instanced where four deaths had
occurred during the past two years mainly because there was not a local hospital. Mr
J. Delandre said he had signed the petition because he thought a Cottage Hospital
would benefit the town and district and was a more fitting Memorial than the Baths.
People would give one pound (£1*) for the former where they would give a shilling
for the latter he said.
Mr F. R. Archbold said he was opposed to the Baths because it was not a suitable
Memorial in honour of the boys who had gone to war and laid down their lives that
those left behind and the British Empire might be free. The Hospital proposal was
alright, but they would never be able to support it. Moreover, the people resided
midway between Sydney and Newcastle where they could take advantage of the best
hospitals in the State. Mr Kirkness said that he was a trustee of the proposed hospital
site and also the fund which had been started many years ago and which amounted to
about three hundred pounds (£300*).
Yet he was firmly convinced that sufficient support would not be forthcoming to
maintain a hospital in Gosford. At the present time he said, there were only three
hospitals in the State that was free of debt. It would costs eleven hundred and fifty
pounds (£1,150*) a year or thereabouts to maintain even the most economical
institution that they could build. And, considering that, they could go to either
Sydney or Newcastle hospital; he urged the meeting to be careful before deciding in
favour of a hospital.
Captain Adcock, speaking for the Returned Soldiers League said they were
favourable to a Hospital as a Memorial if it could be maintained, but they objected to
any proposal which would mean the everlasting rattle of collection boxes. Mr R. H.
Clifford referred to his frequent efforts through the columns of the Gosford Times to
get the matter re-opened as he was satisfied that the majority of people were opposed
to the Baths as a Soldiers Memorial. He considered that a Hospital should be
established and was certain that the noble band of Red Cross workers would always
see to it that such an institution was maintained. He said he had offers of ten pounds
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 8
(£10*) towards a Hospital where they would not give a penny to the Baths. He was
told that a scheme would be submitted to convert Waterside Park into a place where
Shows and Sports gatherings could be held with the scheme providing for dredging
and reclaiming of about four acres.
Such a scheme would cost at least ten thousand pounds (£10,000*) and he hoped
they would have nothing to do with it. Moreover the Baths would costs about two
thousand five hundred pounds (£2,500*) and he was sure they would never collect
that amount. Let them build a hospital he said, as the most fitting way of honouring
the returned soldiers and those who died on the other side. Mr Clifford said that no
matter what the meeting decided as the most fitting memorial he would throw his
weight behind it, but he hoped it would be something that the town and the people
could be proud of.
Dame Campbell, a recent arrival to Gosford and a wife of a returned soldier, said she
had eleven years’ experience of hospital work. She appealed to the meeting to decide
in favour of a Cottage Hospital and promise to render any assistance within her
power. If a Hospital was established at Gosford they would be able to keep the doors
open all night. Mr Charles Hills said that as a townsman who had taken a fair share
of public work, so far as their institutions were concerned, he was convinced that
they could not maintain a hospital in Gosford.
Both the School of Arts and the A. & H. Association were living on overdrafts at the
Bank, guaranteed by certain public spirited citizens and he knew what he was talking
about, he was not in favour of adding another burden to the town’s responsibilities.
Businessmen he said knew what a Hospital would mean and he did not know one of
them who would advocate its establishment. Another scheme, he said, had been
launched in connection with the establishment of the Baths by dredging a portion of
Waterside Park and erecting a suitable Memorial Arch at the entrance to the Park
from Georgiana Terrace.
Mr G. T. Roughley supported the scheme submitted by Mr Hills and opposed the
Hospital on the grounds that the proposal was impracticable at the time. Prevention
he said was better than cure and swimming baths and good healthy, clean sport
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 9
would keep people out of hospital. Not only was the Memorial Park proposal a
suitable one, but was an excellent business proposition and would improve the A. &
H. Association and other public bodies. Mr Archbold said they were not out for
business propositions, but he would give five pounds (£5*) towards the Memorial
Arch.
Mr Kibble said that the proposal submitted by Mr Hills was a wild cat scheme. It
would costs twenty thousand pounds (£20,000*) to reclaim the four acres and do the
other things suggested and the costs of upkeep would be more than the hospital. He
said that if soldiers wanted sport there was Victoria Park and the Showground. He
considered that the hospital was the best memorial proposal. In answer to Mr Cross,
the Chairman said he could not answer for the Council, but he personally thought if it
could be carried out, the scheme submitted by Mr Hills would not only provide a
suitable Memorial but would turn the Park into a wonderful town asset.
Mr H. G. Parry supported the proposal. He was opposed to the hospital because from
his experience of local affairs, and as one who had taken a full share of public work,
he was of the opinion they could not maintain such an institution. It was the business
people, he said, who had mainly to shoulder the burden of financing our public
institutions and they should have a deciding voice. However, he was for a Soldiers
Memorial and whatever form was decided on he would put his energy behind it. Mr
Roughley took exception to Mr Archbold’s remarks. He said he played second fiddle
to no man in his loyalty and he still maintained that the proposed scheme would not
only be a fine memorial, but a sound business proposition.
Mr Kilkenny opposed the scheme and objected to the A. & H. Association trying to
steal the Park. A Showground should not be in the centre of a town. He spoke of the
prosperity of the district and objected to Mr Hills referring to the financial difficulties
of other institutions as a means of downing the hospital proposal and bolstering his
own scheme. The Park had not been beautified, he said, as it should have been by the
Council, but he appealed to the people not to let the other fellows get in the thin end
of the wedge. Mr Hills said there was no attempt to take the Park from the people.
The object was to make it more attractive for the people and to cater for all manner
of sport and recreation.
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 10
Mr E. Hadfield of Terrigal said he was at present on behalf of a number of returned
soldiers to support the Hospital proposal. They wanted such an institution badly in
the district and he dwelt on the advantages and benefits that would be conferred on
the people living in the outlying district and concluded with words of condemnation
regarding the Shire roads, particularly the Punt section of the Terrigal highway. Mr
A. I. Chapman said he would support the Memorial Arch proposal. The other
suggested matters could follow. The idea of a hospital was no doubt a good one, but
he had lived in Gosford for forty-one years and he did not think they could properly
finance such an institution, which would probably be filled with dead-beats travelling
between Sydney and Newcastle. Other town organisations were in a bad way
financially and he did not want to see such a fate befall the Soldiers Memorial.
Mrs Gardiner objected to the hospital proposal issue being clouded by bringing in the
financial poverty of other local institutions. Mr H. L. Whittell said he had subscribed
to the Baths because it had been chosen as the Soldiers Memorial. He said he was not
present at the previous meeting, but he certainly did not think the Baths was a
suitable memorial for the boys who had gone west and for those who had returned
home. They wanted some fitting place where the people could meet for such solemn
services such as should be held on Anzac Day.
Mr W. H. Weiss supported the proposal outlined by Mr Hills. He had two sons killed
in the war and he felt sure that if they could only be consulted they would vote for
the proposal where good clean healthy sport could be cultivated. Our Australian
soldiers were “sports”, true sports and had played their part in the battle for life. His
sons had revelled in sport and when the time came had not shirked their
responsibilities as true Australians. He considered the Memorial Arch and the
proposal associated with it was by far the best scheme yet put forward.
After two solid hours talking the motion was put to the meeting and was defeated by
a large majority. Mr Hills then proposed;
That this meeting decides that the War Memorial take the
form of an Arch to be erected at the entrance of Waterside
Park, at the foot of Georgiana Terrace, and that the Shire
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 11
Council be asked to arrange for the dedication of the Park as
a Memorial Park
Mr Parry seconded the motion, which was supported by the Chairman and Mr
Archbold and carried. Only six votes were recorded against.
Regarding the subscriptions to the Baths, Mr Weiss asked if they could be allocated to
the Memorial Arch. The Chairman said that was a matter for the present meeting could
not decide. Mr Weiss then moved a motion;
That those present who at the previous meeting favoured the
Baths agree to hand their subscriptions to the Memorial Arch
proposal.
The motion was seconded by Mr Whittell and carried. Then Mr Whittell proposed a
motion and Mr Weiss seconded;
That this meeting endorses the appointment of the previous
War Memorial Committee.
Previous to this motion being carried, Mr Kilkenny asked what the Committee had
done. The Chairman said that members of the Committee had been doing their best to
carry out what they had been appointed to do, so that some form of a War Memorial
might be erected at Gosford. The Committee would have been able to do much more,
but their efforts had been retarded by certain people who ran around raising objections
and picking holes in everything instead of lending a helping hand to do something.
And the remark did not alone apply to the War Memorial.
A vote of thanks to the Chairman was proposed by Mr C. K. Adrian and carried and
the meeting concluded shortly before 11 p.m.5
As to the dedication of the Park to be renamed a Memorial Park, the Erina Shire
Council could not at the time grant the Committee’s request. However, there was no
objection to re-naming the Park and it was decided that the public be invited to submit
an acceptable name. The name finally chosen would then be submitted to the Council
for adoption and it was stated then that the name would probably stand for all time. 6 It
was decided that a prize of one guinea, which was one pound one shilling (£1/1/-),
* One pound =two Australian dollars
5
Baker Robert James, 1921. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, June 23. Mann St. Gosford
6
Baker Robert James, 1921. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, August 4. Mann St. Gosford
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 12
which converts to two dollars and ten cents, would be paid to the person submitting
the accepted name. If more than one claimant was found then the prize was to be
decided by ballot. Competitors had to enclose sixpence, which converts to five cents in
stamps. The total proceeds were to go to the Memorial Fund and the decision of the
Memorial Committee was to be final.7
At the next meeting of the War Memorial Committee, presided over by the Erina Shire
President, Mr R. J. Baker, the following report was furnished by Mr Charles Hills and
Mr M. J. Maddy, which was adopted. The report was about the design for the
Memorial Arch. The report stated that after spending a considerable time and though
on the design suitable for the Memorial Arch they came to the conclusion that the
matter would be best left in the hands of qualified architects. With the objective of
getting designs from a number of experienced architects they saw Mr George A.
Taylor, Artist and Editor of the magazine Building and asked his opinion and advice
on the matter.
The report stated that he was most sympathetic and offered to call for competitive
designs through his magazine and stated that it would be sufficient to offer a prize of
only one or two guineas, which converts to two dollars and twenty cents or four
dollars and forty cents on the understanding that the winning competitor be asked to
supervise the erection of the said Arch for the usual fee, which was about seven per
cent of the costs. With regard to the competitions held for designs in Buildings they
stated that architects from all over the Commonwealth would compete and one design
they saw for a Memorial Kiosk was certainly of the highest order.
The report also said that it would be necessary to give Mr Taylor full particulars of the
site, number of names to be left for inscriptions, class of stone for the Arch and
Tablets and the amount of money available. Mr Taylor, the report said, had very
kindly consented to put his scheme through his magazine free of costs to the
Committee. With regard to a plan of the site for publication, they had to state that they
would see to that. As the proposed Arch would be standing for all time, the point could
not be too strongly stressed that it was imperative for the Committee to have the best
7
Baker Robert James, 1921. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, August 11. Mann St. Gosford
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 13
possible designs obtainable for their consideration before a selection was made and
such could be most readily obtained by making use of Mr Taylor’s kind offer.
A resolution was passed at the meeting thanking Mr Hills and Mr Maddy for the report
and it was decided to ask Mr Fenton, the Shire Engineer, to inspect and report upon
the proposed site. Provision was made for inscribing from two hundred and fifty (250)
to three hundred (300) names and the stone to be used being freestone and trachyte. So
far about six hundred pounds (£600*) was in hand and the Committee decided to
invite designs for a Memorial Arch to cost about one thousand pounds (£1,000*).8
The Gosford Sub-Branch of the R. S. & S. I. L. A. had received a number of inquiries
in relation to the erection of the Memorial Arch so they decided to publish a report on
the League’s activities over the past few weeks. It was noted by the Sub-branch that
the returned men had not lost sight of the fact that the Memorial was a public concern
and that they did not wish to imply that it was more their business than that of the
general public and that the people of Gosford and district were vested authority in a
War Memorial Committee some months earlier on which the soldiers were represented
for the purpose of carrying the erection of the Memorial Arch through a satisfactory
conclusion.
With this end in view, the members of the League were not claiming any special rights
or privileges with regard to the matter, have only made enquiries as to costs and so on.
At one point they sought advice and assistance in another direction, but with the full
consent and approval of the Secretary of the Memorial Committee, their intention
being to submit any information so gained to those whom the public elected to fulfil
the work of building this Arch in honour of the men who gave the supreme sacrifice.
The impelling motive for seeking advice from the undermentioned gentlemen was the
near approach of Anzac Day. They had visions of at least seeing something in the
nature of a foundation stone laid on that occasion.
The report went on to say that some weeks earlier their President, Mr G. I. Adcock,
being in Parramatta, saw a fine Memorial Arch at St. John’s Church of England, which
* One pound =two Australian dollars
8
Baker Robert James, 1921. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, September 8. Mann St. Gosford
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 14
impressed him very much. At their subsequent League meeting, the Secretary was
instructed to get in touch with the Rector of that Church requesting particulars with
reference to the Arch. This was done and a very favourable reply was received.
Following is an extract from the letter of the Rev. L. W. Johnstone, Rector of the
Church of England in Parramatta.
I am very much interested in the subject of your letter, and if
you think it would help, will be glad to go to Gosford and
address your people on the subject on any Wednesday,
Thursday or Saturday night you might arrange, except from
the 9th to the 16th April. If you cannot arrange a meeting I
shall proceed to write to you further details. But it is better to
talk than to write.
A second letter was despatched from the Sub-branch to the State President of the
League, setting forth the difficulties, chiefly financial, encountered by the Memorial
Committee. Below is an extract from the reply of the above gentleman to the SubBranch Secretary;
I have your letter and am quite please to advise, if able, in
connection with your proposed Memorial Arch. It would
seem to be impracticable to erect an Arch for £850*9 that
would at the same time be an object of beauty to the citizens
and visitors, be the character that the subject demands and be
large enough for practical purposes. If you will state where
the Arch goes, such as the entrance to a Park, what required
width under it, &c., it may be that gates or a concrete pergola
could be done for the money.
In conclusion, the League wished to emphasise that their sole desire in taking that line
of action was to assist the Memorial Committee. They said they had no desire to usurp
their powers in any way. The letter was signed A. E. Upham, Honorary Secretary of
the Gosford Sub-branch.
Another public meeting was held in the Gosford School of Arts Committee Room on
Tuesday night to discuss further matters in connection with the proposed War
Memorial. There were about twenty-five members present. Captain G. I. Adcock was
unanimously voted to the chair and read apologies from Mr R. J. Baker and Mr E.
Wheeler. After a brief reference to the object of the meeting the Chairman then called
upon the Secretary, Mr D. E. Mobbs to read the report. The report detailed that the
Committee was appointed on January 12, 1921 and their decision to build a Baths on
9
* One pound = two Australian dollars
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 15
Waterside Park. The General Advisory Committee for War Memorials were written to
immediately asking if the proposal generally met with approval and the reply was that
if the Baths came up to a standard regarded as suitable by the Central Committee, than
favourable consideration would be given to the proposal.
The report next covered how a petition was lodged with the Committee in June, 1921
asking for a further public meeting to reconsider the matter, as it was felt that a more
suitable form of Memorial might be decided upon. The public meeting was held on
June 20, 1921 and was largely attended, the outcome being a proposal which was
adopted that a Memorial Arch be erected on Waterside Park. The Committee met the
following month in July and it was resolved to seek designs from a number of firms
who handled monumental work. A number of firms were accordingly written to,
without result, excepting the personal call some weeks later by Mr Andrews, who
promised to submit a plan which, after waiting for in vain for some further weeks, the
Committee decided that a public advertising calling for plans and designs might meet
with greater success. This was on July 25 and the advertisement was inserted in
Sydney daily newspapers.
One firm competed and on August 31, the Committee decided that plans admitted
could not be accepted, as in one design the price was much in excess of what was
given as a guide in the press, whilst the other was quite out of the question, being in no
way an arch and no price being stated by the way of an estimate. At the same meeting
Mr Hills and Mr Maddy advised that they had interviewed Mr Taylor, Editor of the
magazine Building, who promised to call, free of cost, through his columns, for
designs for an arch and the Committee approved that his offer be accepted. He
was
written to, interviewed, re-written to and re-interviewed several times, but his
promises in the matter failed to materialise. After repeated attempts to get ahead on
these lines, it was decided on May 11, 1922, to seek some other avenue whereby the
Memorial erection might be expedited.
A plan was submitted by Mr Haywood of the Gosford Quarries Limited, for an arch
something on the lines desired by the Committee. The Committee met Mr Hayward a
week later and discussed the matter with him and he finally offered to obtain, free of
costs, working plans of his proposed arch. These were supplied and on June 7, the
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 16
Committee decided to submit such plans and specifications to a recognised architect.
Some were accordingly presented to Mr Gordon S. Kessing, Architect, of Sydney,
who himself was a member of the Central Advisory War Memorial Committee. Mr
Kessing reported on the plans and submitted a rough draft of what he thought might
prove more suitable.
This was considered by the Committee on August 26, when it was decided to invite
Mr Kessing to visit Gosford and have a personal discussion with the Committee on the
whole question, which he did on Saturday, September 13. The matter was thoroughly
thrashed out with Mr Kessing, the promised site was inspected, the quarries likewise
and after much discussion, Mr Kessing was instructed to draw plans and submit same
to the Central Advisory Committee and afterwards present same to the local
Committee. The costs was named as not to exceed six hundred and fifty pounds
(£650*) over-all. No word was received from Mr Kessing until December 11, when
after forwarding of various photographs and so on to the Central body relative to the
proposed location of the Memorial, the local Committee approved of Mr Kessing’s
plans. The price was estimated at six hundred and fifty pounds (£650*), without names
and without certain embellishments, fencing support and so on.
The Committee dealt with the matter and after two meetings, one of which owing to a
wet night was not representative, it was decided on January 13, to advise Mr Kessing
that his plans involved greater costs than was suggested to him and the matter would
have to be referred to a further public meeting to be called when the then serious
droughty conditions had relaxed and the question of raising further funds or otherwise
dealing with the matter would be considered. Also it was resolved to write to Clare in
South Australia, where pictures of a fine Memorial erected at a low costs indicated
what that town had done.
Clare was written to and no reply had come to hand. The droughty conditions having
recently relaxed, the Committee were about to call the public meeting when the letter
from the Returned Soldiers League precipitated the Committee’s present action and
the meeting being held now had to make a decision in the matter. The funds stood at
five hundred and fifty-three pounds six shillings and two pence (£553/6/2), which
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 17
converts to eleven hundred and six dollars and sixty-two cents and accounts to about
seven pounds (£7*) were owing. This completed the report.
The Rev. Arthur Renwick moved for the adoption of the report, which was seconded
by Mr J. J. Frewin and carried. Mr H. L. Marshall moved and seconded by Mr P. L.
Stutfield,
That the motion passed at a public meeting held in the
Gosford School of Arts on Monday, June 20, 1921,
authorising the erection of a Memorial Arch on Waterside
Park be rescinded.
The motion was carried. Mr Hills said that while the Committee might castigate
themselves for not carrying out the wish of the public meeting, still they had to
recognise that there had been a lot of difficulties and disappointments to face.
Gosford was no exception to the rule, as quite a number of towns were only now
unveiling their War Memorials. He referred to the healthy financial position of the
proposal and was sure that the amount in credit was sufficient to erect a Memorial
that would do honour to the town and district. He favoured the suggestion conveyed
in Mr Baker’s letter that the site should be chosen in a suitable place in Gosford Park
overlooking the Broadwater. Referring again to the financial position, Captain G. I.
Adcock, in the chair, said he was opposed to an overdraft or any further collecting, as
it must be recognised that Gosford was continually drained for various causes.
Mr L. W. Turner, President of the Gosford Branch of the R. S. & S. I. L. A. then read
a motion, which as previously stated, precipitated the Committee’s present action and
the meeting being held now had to make a decision in the matter, passed at a recent
meeting of that body, which expressed the wish of the Diggers of this district,
That we consider that the Memorial aspect of the monument
should far outweigh any utilitarian object, and we will not
support any scheme in which there is a possibility of the
solemn purpose of the monument not being immediately and
clearly apparent to any observer, without the necessity of
rending inscriptions.
The Rev. Arthur Renwick then moved that the instructions given to the Committee at
the last public meeting for the erection of a War Memorial in the form of an arch be
rescinded. This was seconded by Mr G. Frewin and carried.
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 18
After a lengthy discussion as to the most suitable position in Gosford Park, Mr Turner
moved that the exact location of the Memorial in Gosford Park be left in the hands of
the Executive Committee. This was seconded by J. J. Frewin and carried. On the
motion of Mr G. A. Walpole and seconded by Bert Moore, the following gentlemen
were added to the old Committee. Mr C. J. Fenton, Mr F. G. McPherson, Mr H. L.
Marshall and Mr L. W. Turner. The Rev. Arthur Renwick moved that it be an
instruction to the Committee that any member failing to attend two consecutive
meetings without an accepted apology that he or she forfeit his or her position on the
Committee and that the Executive have the power to fill the vacancy and maintain
proportional representation. This motion was seconded by Mr G. Frewin and was
carried.
Mr C. J. Fenton moved and it was seconded by Mr J. J. Frewin, that the Committee be
empowered to expand up to the amount in hand and in view, as it was not desirable
that there should be any debt on the Memorial then unveiled. As an instruction to the
Committee, the following forms of Memorial designs were suggested, the one outside
the Newcastle Post Office, a column with the form of a soldier on top, a Cenotaph and
the wish of the soldiers embodied in the motion read by Mr Turner. There being no
further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed.
10
The men from the Gosford district gave splendid service in the fight of liberty, justice
and Empire in the Great War. Many of them forfeited their lives in the cause of right
and it was but bare justice that they who enjoy the freedom for which they fought
should mark the people’s appreciation of their sacrifice by a worthy Memorial. A
movement to erect a War Memorial in Gosford was commenced over some
considerable time. It had advanced to a certain stage, when it was found that the funds
in hand at the time were insufficient to provide for a Memorial Arch as was then
projected. Subsequently the matter was allowed to drop, but recent attention had again
been given to the proposal. A meeting had been called for Tuesday night, May 1,
1923, when it was hoped that arrangements would be made to carry the effort to a
successful conclusion.
* One pound =two Australian dollars
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 19
It was probable at the time that the whole question of the nature of the Memorial, its
site, and the securing of funds, would be considered afresh; and it was anticipated that
a representative Committee would take such steps as would soon put Gosford in
possession of a fitting Memorial to the district’s fallen heroes. It was certain that
public sentiment would be whole-heartedly with the citizens who undertook to carry
out the project on worthy lines; and it was probable that the adoption of some definite
design and locality and the commencement of work would result in a considerable
revival of interest of subscriptions on the part of the public. The citizens of the
Gosford district sincerely wished at the time that the memory of their fallen soldiers
should be worthily honoured; and there should be no further delay in giving
expression to that desire.11
The Committee in connection with the War Memorial had advanced matters by June,
1923 to the extent of approving plans for the erection of a suitable Memorial in
Gosford Park. The plans drawn by Mr Gordon S. Kessing for the proposed Cenotaph
were considered very attractive and largely resembled the prize design for the North
Sydney Memorial, which was published in the city newspaper since Mr Kessing’s plan
came to hand. The design showed the Memorial standing at 17 feet 6 inches in height,
was to be preferably of local stone, a bronze tablet to be placed on the western face
with the names of the men who went to war. Whilst on the eastern side a bronze rising
sun would face the break of day. The whole would stand on the present site of the old
Band rotunda, which was to be removed and it would be set on a concrete raft
foundation, with steps leading to the upright section of the Memorial, whilst it was
intended to provide for the construction of footpaths leading from the various centres
to the central position where the Cenotaph would stand.
Provision was to be made for the addition of names of enlistments from the district at a
later stage, the main objective of the Committee was to get the Memorial up at the
earnest, and with the principle names inscribed giving the names of the fallen. The
estimated costs of six hundred and fifty pounds (£650) and it was anticipated that the
Memorial would be unveiled free of debt, notwithstanding that sixty pounds (£60) to
11
Baker Robert James, 1923. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, May 3. Mann St. Gosford
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 20
eighty pounds (£80*) would be required to make up the costs. Tenders were to be
called on the plans being approved of by the Central Advisory Board and a few weeks
in time should see the construction get under way.12
There were eight competitors for the erection of the War Memorial in Gosford Park
and the prices ranged from six hundred and twenty-five pounds (£625) to nine hundred
and fifty pounds (£950*). The Committee finally dealt with the matter on Wednesday,
October 3, 1923 and Harrison and Elliott’s tender of six hundred and twenty-four
pounds twelve shillings (£624/12/-), which converts to one thousand two hundred and
forty-nine dollars and twenty cents was accepted. Work was to commence on October
31, 1923 and to be completed within eight weeks. The successful tenderers had a
quarry in Gosford and the stone was to be of white freestone as the sample submitted
the Committee though was an excellent colour.
The design drawn by Gordon S. Kessing was the same as previously described,
standing seventeen feet high, having a face to each point of the compass, with a base
to each face of approximately six feet tapering up to about four feet. Bronze tablets
would show the names of local soldiers who paid the supreme price. The cenotaph,
though simple in design, was noble and impressive according to the local Committee
and when unveiled would prove to be worthy of its great purpose.13
On Thursday, November 1, 1923, was the commencement date for the construction of
the War Memorial and the Committee was about to close the list of names to be
inscribed on the honour roll thereon. The following names had been collected and
should there be any missing names amongst the list, who had just claimed for
insertion, they were to forward the names to the Rev. Arthur Renwick or Mr Charles
Hills before November 10. It was urged that this should be done at once as it was the
final notice. The names were as follows’
Banks A.
Bean Albert
Bushell A. E.
Campbel F.
Campbell H. A.
Cato V. A.
Cragg W.
Curtis A. P.
Eley Samuel
* One pound =two Australian dollars
12
Baker Robert James, 1923. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, June 21. Mann St. Gosford
* One pound =two Australian dollars
13
Baker Robert James, 1923. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, October 4. Mann St. Gosford
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 21
Evans Walter
French T. R.
Frewin V. T.
Gardiner Thomas
Gell Frank
Goldsmith F. H.
Hammond A. J.
Hastings George
Hitchcock F.
Hobbs Roy
Jenkins R. L. H. B.
Johnson J. S.
Le Gray H.
Mayo Dick
Moir C. N
Morris C. W.
O’Toole A. S.
O’Toole P. C.
Parsons Abe
Place E. H.
Porritt A.
Ritchie R. R.
Weeks R. R.
Wright C. W
Scaysbrook M.14
Finally the day had arrived. A meeting of the Gosford Soldiers Memorial Committee
was held in the School of Arts on February 13, 1924, to make arrangements for the
unveiling of the Memorial to the soldiers of the Gosford district who fell in the Great
War. There were twelve members present at the meeting and Mr R. J. Baker, President
of the Committee presided.
A suggestion was received from the Gosford Sub-branch that the ceremony be, if
possible, performed on Anzac Day, Friday, April 25; and the proposal was generally
favoured. Mr C. J. Fenton was asked to report upon the progress made by the
contractors with the erection of the Memorial in Gosford Park and stated that there
was no absolute certainty that it would be completed by Anzac Day owing to the
possibilities of unfavourable weather and the scarcity of masons. If there were no
delays which arise from these or other causes, however, the contractors expected to
finish about a week prior to the date named. On the motion of Mr H. G. Parry and
Major F. A. Stutfield, Anzac Day was decided upon as the most fitting day for the
ceremony and the hour was fixed at 3 p.m.
At the instance of the Rev. Arthur Renwick and Mr H. L. Marshall, Honorary
Secretary of the Gosford Sub-branch, it was unanimously agreed to invite the new
Governor of N. S. W., Admiral Sir Dudley de Chair, who had a distinguished navel
record in the war, to perform the unveiling ceremony. His Excellency who was
enroute to Australia would be communicated by wireless as well as through the
14
Baker Robert James, 1923. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, November 1. Mann St. Gosford
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 22
customary channels. It was also decided to ask General Sir Charles Rosenthal to be
present. Mr D. E. Mobbs, Honorary Secretary to the Committee would call a meeting
when necessary to make further arrangements.15
Finally, the soldiers from the Gosford district who fought in the Great War and all the
heroes who lifted Australia to nationhood at Gallipoli and after were fittingly
honoured on Friday April 25, Anzac Day. The commemoration ceremonies were
attended by a large and reverent assembly of the people and it was evident that though
the method of marking the day would gradually change according to the local paper,
the spirit would grow and be the inspiration for the future. The Gosford ceremonies in
the afternoon were of special significance as they included the unveiling of the district
War Memorial. Brigadier-General Alexander Jobson D. S. O., who was accompanied
by Mrs Jobson officiated at the unveiling.
The commemorations commenced at St. Joseph’s Church at 7 a.m. celebrated by the
Rev. P. J. Donovan and Sung Eucharist at Christ Church at 11 a.m. by the Rev. Arthur
Renwick, who also delivered a panegyrise. In the afternoon a parade of troops lined up
at Gosford Railway Station and was inspected by visiting officers Lieutenant Colonel
Vernon, who was the Officer in Command, the parade and the possession was headed
by the Mounted Police. Stalwart soldiers carried the Union Jack and the Australian
flag guarded by a colour party. The Gosford Band played the music and was headed
by Drum Major, C. Metyard. There was a fair muster of nurses and soldiers and a
large contingent of lads from the Gosford Farm Home (later to become Mt Penang
Juvenile Justice Centre) in smart marching order.
A platform was erected in Gosford Park and the area around the Memorial was divided
to afford accommodation for troops, relatives of the fallen soldiers and the ladies of
the Red Cross and School children were grouped round the platform. At each corner of
the steps to the Memorial, a returned soldier with reversed arms mounted guard. The
service was conducted by the Padre in Charge, Chaplain Birch of H. M. A. S.
Brisbane. The Rev. Arthur Renwick, Rector of Christ Church, read the prayers and
15
Baker Robert James, 1924. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, February 24. Mann St. Gosford
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 23
portions of Scripture were read by Revs. L. Bains of the Presbyterian Church and G.
Williams of the Methodist Church.
Captain Birch, in the course of an address, said they would not be true men and
woman if they let the memory of that Sunday in April, 1915, die out. The memory of
Anzac stood for honour, victory and sacrifice and the day marked the birth of a nation.
He gave an impressive word picture of the historical landing and quoted some
eloquent lines in confirmation of the belief that the men who died were now gloriously
happy. They had left us a heritage, he said, of sacrifice and honour which it was their
duty to keep alive in a glow of honest patriotism which would build up a nation strong
in fearing God and loving righteousness. The service ended with the sound of
Reveille.
Brigadier-General Jobson read the messages from the King and Prime Minister of
Australia and said that the concluding words of the King’s message “the glorious
achievements of your beloved dead”, aptly summed up the feelings of Australians on
that day. What was it, he asked, which caused ordinary men to achieve deeds of
glorious heroism when the need arose? It was because they had in them, he said, the
spirit of the British nation, which had been handed down to them by the splendid
pioneers who came here from Great Britain and bred the stock from which the men of
Anzac came.
These men, he said, had left a proud heritage to the Australians of the day, who should
keep alive this true spirit of Australia, the spirit to conquer so that if they were ever
called upon again to defend these shores, the fight for the right would be as strong as
ever. The Brigadier-General said he was honoured in being asked to unveil the
memorial erected by the people of Gosford and district to their men who had fallen in
the Great War. The two flags fell away from the Cenotaph and the assembly stood
with bowed heads as the ”Last Post” was sounded.
The Monument was erected a few yards from the Boar War memorial was impressive
in its simple dignity, said the Gosford Times. Constructed of Gosford freestone, it
bears in handsomely bronze the A. I. F. crest and a laurel wreath with the words
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 24
“Their name shall live evermore,” and the names of the fallen heroes. A great many
wreaths were laid on the steps. The names inscribed on the Cenotaph were
Banks A.
Bean A.
Bushell A. E
Campbell Flem.
Campbell H. A.
Cato V. A.
Coull S. A.
Cragg W.
Cunningham J.
Curtis A. P.
Eley Samuel
Evans W.
Farrell J.
Farrell M.
French T. R.
Frewin V. J.
Galloway J.
Gardiner Tom
Gell Frank
Goldsmith F. H.
Hall W.
Hammond H. A.
Hastings George
Hitchcock F.
Hobbs Roy
Jenkins R. L. H. B.
Johnson J. S.
Le Grey R. H.
Martin C.
Mayo Dick
McKenna V.
Moir C. N.
Morris C. W.
O’Toole A. S.
O’Toole P. C.
Parsons Alf
Pinkstone V. J.
Place E. H.
Porritt A.
Ritchie F. H.
Scaysbrook M.
Sohier N. H.
Weeks R. R.
Weiss E. V.
Weiss F. A.
Wright C. W.
The Rev. L. Baines said that the men of Anzac should not be mourned for as dead or
loss, properly speaking there was no such state. These heroes had left us a duty to
follow their example of courage and fidelity. Mr S. L. Gardner, M. H. R., local
Member of Parliament said the district was to be congratulated on the beautiful
Memorial. There was a very practical side to the memory of Anzac and the other
fields; it was about the debt we owe the boys who came back. He emphasised that this
was a debt which should be paid in no niggardly spirit. These men had also left to us
an obligation to eliminate from our national life sectarianism and class divisions,
which led to weakness.
The Hon. Walter Bennett, M. L. A., urged that more thought should be given to the
need for defending this country of ours. If we were not willing to prepare to fight for it
if necessary, we were not worthy of the name of Britons. One prime necessity was the
building up of an Australian navy, the exploits of which might someday find a place
alongside the records of the A. I. F. in the Great War. Mr W. F. O’Hearn, M. L. A.,
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 25
was proud to join in this tribute to the fallen soldiers. Anzac Day was a great day for
Australia and should be the Australia national day for all time. One good feature of the
day was that it was an occasion on which party politics could be forgotten and all
could meet on a common platform.
Mr R. J. Baker, Chairman of the Memorial Committee thanked Brigadier-General
Jobson and Chaplain Birch for their presence and said he had apologies from Mr W.
Cameron, M. L. A., Major Stutfield and Mrs Tom Campbell, a noted Red Cross
worker. He briefly outlined the history of the movement which resulted in the erection
of the Memorial and intimated that it was the intention to erect gates to the Park, on
which a record of the district enlistments would be inscribed. He said the district had
reason to be proud of the dignified memorial which had been erected and stated that
most capable work had been done by the architect, Mr Gordon Kessing and the
contractors Harrison & Co., Ltd.
Mr Kessing and Mr Harrison, he said, were returned men. The Committee had worked
hard and with success. The costs of the Memorial was five hundred and seventy
pounds (£570*) and it was unveiled free of debt; in fact, there was a small surplus to
go towards the gates and park improvements, for which objects Mr D. E. Mobbs,
Secretary and Mr Charles Hills, Treasurer, would be glad to receive subscriptions. It
was only right to mention the particularly valuable services rendered by the Rev.
Arthur Renwick and Mr Hills, who were always foremost in good work and the last to
come into the limelight. The necessary funds were largely raised by returned soldiers,
assisted by Red Cross ladies, to whom, and to all other workers, thanks were due.
Proceedings for the unveiling of the Gosford War Memorial terminated with the
National Anthem.16
16
Baker Robert James, 1924. The Gosford Times, Thursday Afternoon, May, 1. Mann St. Gosford
Dr Richard G. Van Wirdum
Page 26