Pambula District Soldiers' Memorial:
Like so many other communities throughout Australia, the Pambula area placed considerable focus on patriotic fundraising activities during WWI. Then, as the war drew to a close, people began looking towards the erection of a suitable memorial to the district’s men who served during the 1914-1918 war. Funds were raised, and Messrs. Wunderlich Ltd. produced the pressed metal Australian Red Cross Pambula Branch Roll of Honour at a cost of £30. Erected on the town’s Post Office porch in 1918, it quickly became a focus or memorial services for the community.
Another ten years were to pass before the township began moving towards the erection of a more permanent monument to mark the service of local men in what was hopefully termed the war to end all wars. Councillor D. W. Hart called a public meeting in November 1928 to consider construction of a
Pambula District Soldiers' Memorial, C. 1940s.
Courtesy of the George Family Collection. All rights reserved.
district memorial and once the decision had been made to go ahead, fundraising began in earnest. This was to be a difficult and time-consuming process when it is realised that it was undertaken during the worst years of the Great Depression. As with many things both before and since, however, the district persevered and in September 1932, invited “…estimates of the cost of a suitable memorial design.” At that point, the committee had £24 in hand as well as “…a number of cattle convertible into cash…”
Finally, by late 1934, sufficient money had been raised to move towards the erection of the monument, and in March 1935, the Pambula Voice announced that it was to be constructed by Messrs Zeigler and Son of Bega. Estimated cost was £150, the committee had £80 readily available. December that year saw the Voice publicise the planned unveiling which was set to take place on January 15, 1936.
​
However, the committee soon discovered that, despite having sought Imlay Shire Council approval, the Main Road’s Department complained that they had not been consulted over the position. By this time, however, the memorial had already been completed, and despite some discussion over the issue which led to the formal unveiling being delayed, it finally went ahead on 8 February.
The Pambula Voice reported “In the presence of a large concourse of residents of Pambula and surrounding districts, the Soldiers’ Memorial erected in Quondola Street was unveiled last Saturday. The memorial bears over 80 names of men who enlisted for active service in the Great War, a large number of whom paid the supreme sacrifice. The unveiling ceremony was performed by Col. T. E. W. Irwin. The proceedings were initiated by a procession led by the band from the School of Arts to the memorial, where Mr. D. W. Hart, officiating as Chairman, extended a welcome to Colonel Irwin and in the course of his speech impressed upon his hearers that the memorial was an emblem of peace. Other speakers were Cr. Lee (Deputy President, Imlay Shire Council), Cr. H. Robertson (past shire president), Mr. Walter Godfrey, Rev. Hugh Jones (Presbyterian), Mr. B. Boddington (Church of England), Mr. W. D. Oliver (President, Bega RSL) and Colonel Irwin. The prayer of dedication was offered by Reverend H. Jones, Kipling’s Recessional was sung, and wreaths were laid…The observance of the last post and the singing of the national anthem brought the ceremonial proceedings to a close.”
​
The memorial also bought forth a timely donation by the Dr’s Lindon and Naomi Wing, who contributed a chain fence and flagstaff for the monument.
​
An interesting point are the names with German origins that appear on the Pambula memorial, they being descended from some of the districts early settlers.
Taking advantage of the large muster of returned soldiers from
Above: Pambula District Soldiers' Memorial, C. 1940s.
All courtesy of Anne Savage. All rights reserved.
throughout the district present for the occasion, Mr W. Godfrey enrolled a large number for a proposed Pambula and District branch of RSSILA (now RSL) branch, and by March 1936, this had been officially formed.
The town’s first Anzac Day service at the newly constructed memorial took place in April 1936, and ever since then has provided a venue for the remembrance of war time sacrifices by the local community.
Nationwide, whether in larger cities or small country towns, war memorials are an important part of the Australian cultural landscape and psyche. Considered a defining moment in Australian history, World War I contributed much towards the evolution of the Australian psyche and sense of identity epitomised by the “Anzac Legend”. As this legacy continued to embed itself in the national character, the relevance and value of monuments such the Pambula War Memorial grew and expanded to encompass subsequent conflicts.
​
The memorial is a tangible embodiment of the strong nationalistic sentiments prevalent in the district at the time it was planned and erected. It highlights the feelings of patriotism and pride evoked by the contribution of local residents and the regard that the community had towards their service and sacrifice. Few districts across the nation escaped from the war unscathed and the Pambula area was no different. Thus it contributes to an understanding of the role played by the local community during World War I and subsequent conflicts.
It illustrates the impact that international events had and continue to have on small rural and regional communities across Australia. In recalling those from the district involved in various overseas conflicts, it is a significant testimony to the impact of
Bill Hardaker and Jean Whant (obscured), Pambula District Soldiers' Memorial, Anzac Day, C. 1964.
Image © the Estate of Allan "Bubby" George. All rights reserved.
war. Like the many, many memorials erected across the nation following World War I, the Pambula monument is a conscious acknowledgement of participation, grief and loss. It is a tangible embodiment of the collective heart ache of the people of the local district at the death of their children, parents, siblings and friends on some distant shore.
The Pambula War Memorial is significant as tangible reminder of the conflicts local residents have served in since the 1914-1918 War (First World War). That significance continues to increase over time as the numbers attending the memorial parades and commemorative services continue to increase each year. This is a theme seen across the country, with a growing national consciousness of what has become known as the “Spirit of Anzac” and its meaning for Australia as a nation.
​
It has been a focal point for the community for the commemoration of the service and sometimes loss of those who served and provides a link with that part of Pambula’s past. For many local families who have long connections with the district, it also a tangible reminder of their forebears and the role they played in the history of the nation.
It also serves as an important and permanent tangible document of local participation in war and thus has valuable research potential.
It is important for these historical associations with those who lost and mourned loved ones at war and thus has special significance to the families of those honoured on the memorial. As a public expression of grief, it is indicative of the importance of remembrance and remembering in Australian culture. This memorial function, designed to permanently commemorate the role of local residents during World War I, has since expanded to encompass those who served, and in many instances died, in later wars.
​
It is indicative of the perseverance and community spirit of the district, in that it was funded and constructed during the height of what became known as the Great Depression.
​
It is also a tangible connection with important local monumental masonry business, Zeigler and Sons, of Bega, who were responsible for so much of the monumental construction throughout the shire area.
​
Jim Granger lowering the flag at the Pambula District Soldiers' Memorial, Anzac Day, C. 1964.
Image © the Estate of Allan "Bubby" George. All rights reserved.
The monument is highly valued by the local community for its cultural, social, symbolic and spiritual significance and is a powerful focal point for memorial services in Pambula.
Originally constructed to commemorate those local residents who had served during the Great War, additional plaques were later added to honour those who served in later conflicts including WWII and Korea.
​
​© Angela George. All rights reserved.
Pambula District Soldiers' Memorial, Anzac Day, C. 1964.
Image © the Estate of Allan "Bubby" George. All rights reserved.
​
Approximate location of site.
References and bibliography:
-
Brereton, Kenny, pers. comm.
-
Eden Magnet
-
George, A. C. (“Bubby”) (comp.), History of Pambula – Old Records, Early Days, unpublished notebook, n.d.
-
George, Allan, pers. comm.
-
George, Angela, Pambula District’s Built Heritage – A History, unpublished study, 2006.
-
Munn, Chappie, pers. comm.
-
Pambula Voice
-
Plowman, Suzannah, for Bega Valley Shire Council, Urban Design Guidelines for Pambula Commercial Area, 1993
-
Southern Record and Advertiser
-
Whant, Fred, pers. comm.
​
​