Colac & District War Memorials
COLAC WAR MEMORIAL
Located - 1-5 Murray Street, Memorial Square, Colac
The Colac War Memorial is only second in size to the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance
The Colac Memorial Square is a World War I memorial reserve that evolved from the market reserve set aside when Colac was surveyed in 1864. Now known as Memorial Square, the area the areas incorporates a large walk - in War Memorial in the centre, designed by Frederick Sales, and a generally symmetrical path system with extensive plantings of Mature Alums Proceri (English Elm) framing the centre.
The War Memorial is a large sandstone structure predominately erected for World War 1, but has been supplemented with plaques to other conflicts. The memorial was unveiled by Lieutenant – General Sir Harry Chauvel on the 15th of November 1924. The memorial contained the names of 1665 men who had enlisted during the war. The cost of the memorial was £3600.
The memorial to those who served in the Second World War and Korean War was constructed as a separate entity on the Murray Street side of the First World War memorial. In 1955, Architects Mason & Weinstock developed a contemporary design involving a low wall and two tall columns facing the pool of remembrance. The memorial was opened on August 3rd 1957 by Lt. Governor Sir Edmund Herring.
Plaque 1: Boer War 1899 - 1902. This tablet commemorates the death, in the cause of Empire, of four young men of the District. [Names] who were killed fighting in South Africa, and Thomas Yates, who died immediately upon his return to Victoria.
Plaque 2: The citizens of Colac Otway Shire dedicate this plaque to the women who served their country in times of war. Lest We Forget 50th Anniversary of Peace. 15 August 1995.
Plaque 3:This garden of peace is dedicated to the men and women of the Colac Otway area who volunteered for active service. Lest We Forget 50th Anniversary of Peace. 15 August 1995.
COLAC WAR MEMORIAL DETAILS
Monument Manufacturer: Sale & Keape
Actual Monument Dedication Date: Saturday 15th November 1924
Front Inscription Reads 1914 The Shires Tribute 1918
Egypt Gallipoli Palestine Flanders Pozieres Polygon
Wood Bullecourt
Paschendale Viller Brettoneux Mont St Quinton
Right Inscription Reads
A tribute from the City and Shire of Colac to those who served in the following Campaigns:
Malaya 1948 - 1960
Borneo 1962 – 1966
Malay Peninsula 1964 - 1965
Vietnam 1962 -1972
“Lest We Forget”
Inscription in Proximity
Town of Colac Shire of Colac War Memorial World War II. Korean
War. Unveiled by His Excellency, Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant-General Sir
Edmund Herring, K.C.M.G., K.B.E., D.S.O. Saturday 3rd
August 1957
EURACK AVENUE OF HONOUR
Located -Eurack Road, Eurack, Colac-Otway
The Eurack Avenue of Honour is the earliest known avenue of honour to be planted in Victoria.
The Avenue of Honour commemorates the 26 soldiers who served in World War One. The 100 metre long avenue commemorates only those men who had enlisted by 1916, with a memorial board in the Eurack Recreational Hall commemorating others who enlisted later.
BEECH FOREST WAR MEMORIAL
Located—Old Main Rd(Cliff Young Drive) Beech Forest
During World War Two, seventy men and women enlisted from the Beech Forest district and a memorial to their service was funded by public subscription. The memorial is important as the original honour roll from World War One was destroyed when the hall burnt down and it was important for the community to commemorate those who served in World War Two.
CRESSY WAR MEMORIAL
Located Cressy Recreation Reserve, Brown Street, Cressy
The monument commemorates those who died in service or were killed in action during World Wars One and Two. It consists of brick memorial pillars and wrought iron gates.
BIRREGURRA WAR MEMORIAL
Located -Main Street, Mechanics Institute, Birregurra
The monument is a granite obelisk which commemorates 17 servicemen who died in service or were killed in action, and those who served in World War One. Originally erected to commemorate World War One, plaques have been added to commemorate other conflicts.
ALVIE - RED ROCK WAR MEMORIAL FACTS
Located- Coragulac Hill Road, Alvie
The monument was built by the residents of Alvie and Dreeite to commemorate those who served in World War One. It was unveiled by General Birdwood in March 1920. The Gaylord Brothers carted the stone to the top of Red Rock using horse-drawn sledges.
BEEAC WAR MEMORIAL
Located -Main (Colac - Ballarat Road) & Lang Streets, Beeac,
The monument commemorates those who served in World Wars One and Two. It is a granite column with a marble statue of a soldier. It was erected by the Beeac Soldiers’ Memorial Committee and unveiled at a ceremony held on 3 February 1923. The ceremony opened with the Beeac Brass Band playing the hymn “Lest We Forget”
