Pics from the past | Shepparton honours Anzacs with striking memorial

The war memorial statue was erected on Wednesday, preparatory to the unveiling ceremony by the State Governor next Wednesday.

It marked a significant milestone for the community.

Mr Webb Gilbert, sculptor, was present and supervised the work.

His involvement ensured the monument’s artistic integrity.

The pedestal is 7½ feet high and is made of Harcourt granite.

Its solid structure reflects the enduring memory of those it honours.

It bears the names of 82 fallen soldiers who enlisted from Shepparton Shire.

Each name stands as a solemn reminder of sacrifice.

The statue, which is 8 feet high, was cast in bronze in Paris and was recently shipped to Australia.

Its journey across the world reflects the global impact of the Great War.

It represents the “Digger”, complete in every detail of equipment, in a stooping attitude, and extending his left hand downwards as if to assist a comrade out of the trenches, while his right arm is raised, the hand grasping a rifle.

This powerful pose captures the spirit of mateship and bravery.

The weight of the statue is 17 cwt., and the cost, with the pedestal, was £1350.

This investment speaks to the community’s deep respect for its fallen.

The statue has for a background a concrete bridge across the Goulburn and bushland on the west of the river.

The natural setting enhances the solemnity of the memorial.

Shepparton’s tribute to soldiers, officially unveiled by the Earl of Stradbroke

(Shepparton Advertiser, June 12, 1924)

Located on an appropriate pedestal within a suitable enclosure of granite posts on the main highway at the intersection of Fryers and Welsford Streets is Shepparton’s tribute to the memory of the soldiers of the district who participated in the Great War of 1914–1918.

This prominent location ensures that the memorial is seen and respected by all.

The actual memorial constitutes the figure of an Australian soldier in full uniform in a stooping position, having the left arm outstretched as if in the act of assisting a fellow digger out of a trench, in a “hop over”, the right arm grasping a rifle being held aloft as a balance.

This depiction captures both action and compassion.

On each of the four faces of the pedestal are steel plates on which appear in raised iron letters the names of those who enlisted from this district and paid the great sacrifice.

These names form the heart of the monument.

Two names have been omitted, but they will be placed there later — those of Pvts. Ash and W. Hebbard, the whole thus constituting a permanent honour roll.

The correction will ensure no-one is forgotten.

The monument represents the culmination of the patriotic aspirations, prompted by a spirit of gratitude, of the residents of Shepparton and district.

This unity in purpose highlights the community’s enduring values.

The weather was all that could be desired.

The sunshine seemed to mirror the community’s pride.

After a long period of cloudy, cheerless days the sun shone out brightly all day long and made it a pleasure to be out of doors.

The warmth of the day matched the warmth of the occasion.

The citizens appreciated the change, and they turned out in large numbers to show their appreciation of the visit of His Excellency the Governor, and to indicate also that they were heart and soul with the committee, which has so well managed affairs in connection with providing the memorial.

The crowd’s presence reflected a deep collective respect.

The members of that committee are: Mr John Kendall (chairman), Cr. F. W. Fair, and Messrs. Roy Callander (secretary), Blair McKay, and H. Young.

Their efforts brought the vision of remembrance to life.

Excerpts of the Governor’s speech

(Shepparton Advertiser, June 12, 1924)

The memorial which they were about to unveil was one of the finest in Australia — was a great credit to the artist and sculptor, Mr Webb Gilbert, whose name was known throughout the whole of Australia. (Applause.)

His Excellency's praise echoed the sentiment of the day.

It was designed on lines showing that while a soldier was fearless and ready to risk his life in the discharge of duty to his country, he was also ready to extend a helping hand to a comrade and friend when assistance was needed. (Applause.)

The symbolism was deeply moving to all in attendance.

That memorial would be for all time, and the object of it was to be a permanent memorial in the town and district to the brave fellows who had shown their readiness to sacrifice their all in the cause of their country.

Its legacy was intended to last through the generations.

It would promote beautiful thoughts, which would lead to high ideals and teach them that they must live not only for themselves but also for the good of those among whom they lived. (Applause.)

Such ideals continue to inspire community spirit.

They were all taught, from time to time, of the necessity of cultivating thoughts and desires for public service, and the more this was instilled into the people, the better. (Applause.)

Civic duty was at the heart of the message.

These men who went to the front had that idea in their minds.

They carried with them a deep sense of purpose.

They sacrificed all their happiness and prospects for the time — they were ready to give up their occupations, leave their homes and take up their stand in the cause of their country. (Applause.)

Their sacrifice was one of both heart and action.

Now, in the days of peace, they should all try and remember this and strive to act up to the example which those brave men set, and do their share in trying to help improve the conditions of life for everyone.

The message called for everyday acts of service.

Let them do their own work thoroughly and well, but at the same time remember that they should have a little time to help others.

This balance of diligence and compassion remains relevant.

It was gratifying, after such a lapse of time since the termination of the war, to observe such a large gathering at such a function.

The turnout reflected the depth of community memory.

It showed that people of Shepparton and district appreciated what was due to the men who had suffered, and that they were only too ready to show honour to those who had lost their lives in order that we might retain our liberty.

The day served as a living tribute to those sacrifices.

The memorial should help them to be determined to assist in carrying on the spirit of the men who had won the Great War — generally that of the men who had laid down their lives, of whom there were 82 names on that memorial.

Their legacy lives on in the hearts of all who remember.

Then, pulling the cord, the figure was disclosed to view, and His Excellency said, “I unveil this monument to the memory of the fallen in the Shire of Shepparton.”

It was a solemn moment etched into the town’s history.