Dunwich War Memorial

Beneath a sky often painted with hues of sunrise and sunset, stands the Dunwich War Memorial. It’s more than just a cairn of white-painted stone. It’s a vessel of stories, echoing the sacrifices made by the people of Stradbroke Island. The Dunwich War Memorial isn’t just dedicated to those lost in the two World Wars. It also remembers those who served in other conflicts like Korea, Vietnam, and Malaya. Take a moment to look at its base. Those rocks came from the original Kitchener Memorial in Wynnum, giving this memorial a tangible link to the past. The memorial was unveiled in 1967 by Queensland Premier G.F.R. Nicklin. It serves as a poignant reminder of the island’s contribution to Australia’s military history, especially the contributions of the Indigenous locals who served. Five bronze plaques adorn the Dunwich War Memorial. Each tells a different story. One plaque is dedicated to the fallen comrades. Another specifically honors the Australian Army Nursing Corps. It features a nurse’s prayer, a plea for skill, gentleness, efficiency, kindness, firmness, and understanding. On the back, an inscription reads, “All gave some, and some gave all,” a testament to the varying degrees of sacrifice made in war. Another plaque remembers the merchant seamen who risked their lives at sea. It features a quote from Shakespeare’s Henry V, “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.” The Dunwich War Memorial is a place of remembrance. It is a place where the past whispers to the present. It is a reminder of the courage and resilience of a community. The Australian and Aboriginal flags often fly side by side here, a symbol of unity and shared sacrifice.