Politics > Pyrmont at War > Commemorating World War I

Commemorating World War I

Although the war divided the community deeply, commemoration helped to bring people together again.  Clearly, the 760 men who enlisted, and especially the 150 who died, needed a solemn commemoration - and that is what they received.  The Pyrmont and Ultimo War Memorial cost over £1000. To raise such a sum in such poor suburbs, children gave small coins, people canvassed door to door, and the gate from football matches added to the pile. Even so, it took five years to raise the amount required.

When the Governor of New South Wales unveiled the Memorial, those present included political leaders – but also the Anglican Reverend E.C. Madgwick and the Catholic Reverend Father Michael O'Connell.  Both spoke, movingly.

 St Bede’s did not create a memorial, but five years later another war memorial was unveiled at St Bartholomew’s Church:

"To the glory of God and to the appreciation of the men from this parish who served in the War, 1914-19."

Related Items

• Pyrmont and Ultimo War Memorial

• Pyrmont at War

• St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church

• World War I

Source

• Monument Australia: Pyrmont War Memorial