Seymour WWI Memorial Park
This park pays tribute to the local men and women who served in World War I.
History of the park
In November 1927, Memorial Gates were unveiled at the entrance to the then Seymour Soldiers Memorial Hospital. The Gates were built by returned soldiers at a cost of 412 pounds and listed many of those from the district who served in WWI. The gates were moved in 1959 to the entrance of the new hospital, and then again in 1996 to their current location but over the years the Gates became badly degraded. In 2004 the RSL refurbished the names on the granite pillars, in 2012 the Gates were refurbished and in 2013 the lights were replicated and fitted in time for the Anzac Day dawn service.
Planning began later that year to upgrade the area surrounding the Gates and on Remembrance Day of 2016, the WWI Memorial Park that you see today was unveiled.
Remembering the service of 50 local men and women
Pass through the park's Memorial Gates and you will see "Bluey", the statue of a World War One soldier, who stands atop a star-shaped memorial holding 10 glass panels. These panels detail the WWI service of 50 of our district men and women through photos and other images, as well as the history of the Seymour Hospital and Seymour RSL. Some stories are sad, others are uplifting and all make captivating and emotive reading.
The glass panels make captivating and emotive reading and include photographs taken during overseas service, as well as images of personal war-time items and letters donated by local families. Some of the people you will read about include:
- George Coulson who participated in the capture of Lone Pine
- Capt James Lambden of 37 Bn who received a Military Cross for a daring raid on enemy trenches at Armentieres
- Pte Ted lmrie who died in action at Ypres
- Pte Robert Duncan of 37 Bn who survived the torpedoing of his ship "Mongolia"
- Pte Henry Parker, a young man who was critically wounded at Morlancourt when a shell hit his dugout
- Sister Alice Heywood who served in several countries and on a variety of hospital ships; along with many others who served in WW I
The Gallipoli, Peace and RSL roses line the paths and the Australian and New Zealand flags proudly fly in honour of the ANZACS.
Lone Pine tree
Also on the site is a young Lone Pine tree, alongside which is a bronze plaque telling an evocative and moving story that we encourage visitors to read.
Review:
A small park which honours local men and women who served in World War I in an informative and interesting way. Facilities in the park include a grassy area with a table and seats, water tap and more unshaded seats.
Photos:
Location
Cnr Callen Street and Brettoneux Street, Seymour 3660 Map
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ Military History Trail
