Royal Australian Regimental Memorial War memorial

Did Australia always have a standing army? Here at the Royal Australian Regimental Memorial, a curved sandstone wall whispers tales of Australia’s first regular operational infantry regiment. The Royal Australian Regimental Memorial isn’t just a monument. It’s a living story etched in bronze and stone. It commemorates the very foundation of Australia’s permanent military force, a force distinct from earlier specialized units or those seconded from the British Army. The memorial’s central feature, the sandstone wall, stretches over eight meters long and stands a proud 1.5 meters high. Upon this wall, bronze bas-relief sculptures depict soldiers from the original three battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment. A lone infantryman stands before the wall, representing the nine battalions that served in Southeast Asia. The Royal Australian Regimental Memorial stands in Regimental Square, a small, pedestrianized area nestled between George Street and Wynyard Lane. This memorial distinguishes itself as one of the few dedicated to the wars in Southeast Asia, remembering those who fought in Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Malaya, and Borneo. The sculptures are the work of Dennis Adams, a Sydney-born artist who also served in World War II. He was a war artist and captain in the Australian Imperial Force. The Royal Australian Regiment Association specifically chose Adams, on the recommendation of Sir William Dargie, to bring this memorial to life. The small pond in front of the wall, with its decorative aquatic plants, offers a quiet place for reflection. Look closely at the back of the wall. You’ll find several plaques dedicated to specific battalions and their members who served and sacrificed. The Royal Australian Regimental Memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the Royal Australian Regiment. It is a place to remember and honor their service to the nation.