Beech Forest WWII Memorial
Old Main Road BEECH FOREST, Colac Otway Shire
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Statement of Significance
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Beech Forest WWII Memorial - Historical Australian Themes
Memorials & Monuments (9.3)
Beech Forest WWII Memorial - Physical Description 1
The memorial is located adjacent to the former town hall, in the centre of Beech Forest, in the main civicarea. The memorial lies on a concrete paved landing elevated with steps leading up from the adjacent road.The memorial is composed of a tooled granite obelisk on a polished granite base which includes the honourroll. The ensemble rests on a square plinth of three granite steps with rock-faced risers and polished treads.
Beech Forest WWII Memorial - Physical Conditions
Good
Beech Forest WWII Memorial - Integrity
Substantially intact
Veterans Description for Public
Beech Forest WWII Memorial - Veterans Description for Public
The Beech Forest World War Two Memorial was erected in 1949 adjacent to Old Main Road. As the Shire of Otway was not created until after the First World War in 1919, those who served from the Beech Forest area were recorded as residents of the Shire of Colac. Nevertheless, an Honour Board was erected in the hall to commemorate those from the district who volunteered for armed service in the First World War and those who lost their lives, but the hall burnt down in 1919. During the Second World War, seventy men and women enlisted from the Beech Forest district. A memorial to their service was funded by public subscription and the monument was erected in front of the Otway Shire Hall.
The memorial lies on a concrete paved landing elevated with steps leading up from the road. It is composed of a tooled granite obelisk on a polished granite base which includes the honour roll. The ensemble rests on a square plinth of three granite steps with rock-faced risers and polished treads. The engraved inscription includes the following text:
"In a period of meditation after the blood and sweat of battle we the people of Beech-Forest District have written in stone a story that we pray future generations will remember."
The memorial also records six names of the dead and sixty-four who returned. It was important that the involvement in the Second World War was commemorated, particularly as all evidence of participation in the 'Great War' had been destroyed. An official unveiling by the local member of the Victorian parliament, Allan McDonald MHR, was held on 23rd January 1949. The memorial is a reminder of the losses which occurred in many communities throughout the Shire, as well as Victoria. It is also a memorial to the community itself and the efforts it made to commemorate the sacrifices of the people of the district during war.Heritage Study and Grading
Colac Otway - Colac Otway Heritage Study
Author: Mary Sheehan & Associates
Year: 2003
Grading: Local
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RAILWAY TURNING CIRCLEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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BEECH FOREST WATER RACE AND COLLECTION WEIRVictorian Heritage Inventory
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Beech Forrest Honour Roll (First World War)Vic. War Heritage Inventory
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