War Memorial Obelisk

Amidst the bustling city, a silent sentinel stands watch. The War Memorial Obelisk in Sydney’s Moore Park commands attention. This isn’t just a monument. It’s a story etched in sandstone, a tribute to the brave souls from New South Wales who served in the Great War. The War Memorial Obelisk’s journey began in 1917. Originally positioned at the northern end of Anzac Parade, it marked the widening and renaming of the former Randwick Road. This road, once a humble dirt track, became a grand avenue lined with Moreton Bay figs and palms, a fitting pathway for the soldiers who marched from their training camps to the waiting ships. Designed by Robert Hargreave Brodrick, Sydney’s City Architect, the War Memorial Obelisk stands approximately eight meters tall. Constructed of yellow block Sydney sandstone, its tapered form culminates in a four-sided pyramidal apex. The year 1917 is proudly displayed in bronze within a laurel wreath. The plaque below tells of its unveiling by the Lady Mayoress, a moment of civic pride and remembrance. The metalwork, a testament to the craftsmanship of Wunderlich Ltd., adds a touch of artistry to the solemn structure. The War Memorial Obelisk became a focal point for Anzac Day commemorations, even before the construction of the Cenotaph in Martin Place or the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park. Crowds gathered, leaving floral wreaths and heartfelt tributes. One can imagine the scene in 1923, as described in the Sydney Morning Herald, with soldiers marching to the monument, their stories echoing in the rain. Even as larger city commemorations grew, the Obelisk remained a place for personal reflection, for families to remember their loved ones. Relocations in 1998 and 2014, due to infrastructure projects, did not diminish its significance. The War Memorial Obelisk now stands in Moore Park, flanked by Norfolk Island Pines, a living testament to its enduring legacy. It’s a quiet space for reflection. A reminder of the sacrifices made. A place to honor the Anzacs who marched down Anzac Parade, their footsteps echoing through time.