A history of the Kangaroo Flat Soldier's Memorial construction

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Kellie Dadds

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The Kangaroo Flat Soldiers' Memorial was unveiled by Captain J.E. Newlands VC on Anzac Day, 1930.

During 1917, the citizens of Kangaroo Flat began publicly discussing the erection of a memorial to perpetuate the memory of solider who served in the Great War.

A committee was formed, chaired by Cr EG Yeates, who met regularly throughout 1918 to fundraise and designed the memorial. The land was donated by Mrs Allen and the Education Department as the site formed part of the Kangaroo Flat State School playground. (Note: Mrs Allen is assumed to be Mrs Jane Allen who was married to Mr Richard Henry Allen. Their son, 4352 Private Charles Allen, was killed in action on 22nd March 1918).

The memorial fell into a state of disrepair, especially during World War 2 but was renovated by the Kangaroo Flat War Service Club that formed following the end of that war.

Colonel Bob Myers designed the surrounding brick fence and, more importantly, the steps and surrounds on which the existing obelisk was placed. Returned diggers from the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission completed the concrete work. Tommy Clerk, who was a bricklayer, and his mates, donated and erected the gate pillars and overhead arch, and Tony D'Astoli, who owned a cafe in High St, donated the gates.

The brick fence was laid by an apprentice bricklayer and a capsule, containing the names of those involved, was incorporated in one of the posts. A gap was left in the fence to allow colour bearers through without having to lower the colours.

Sunday afternoon concerts were held there once a month to fundraise for the memorial's upkeep.

Information obtained from Kangaroo Flat. A history, gold, goats and peppercorns by Drew Horsfell page 161 - 162.

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