This year marks the Centenary of the War Memorial at Rushton Park in Kelmscott. One hundred years ago, the stone obelisk was built in honour of residents from Kelmscott, Roleystone and Karragullen who fought in the First World War and records the names of those service women and men who lost their lives in the conflict.
Major General Sir Talbot Hobbs laid the first stone of the foundations on 21st May 1921, with the completed structure being unveiled by His Excellency Sir Francis Newdegate, Governor of Western Australia on the 29th May 1921.
The City of Armadale is seeking historical images of the Memorial from members of the public for its online collection.
“We are appealing to the public to have a look through their old photos, perhaps handed down through the generations, to locate images of the Kelmscott War Memorial in days gone by. The City of Armadale only has three old photos of the memorial in the Picture Armadale online collection, from 1925, 1956 and 1973. ANZAC Days and Remembrance Days have been held at the site for 99 years, there must be more images out there,” said Mayor Ruth Butterfield.
Over the years names and plaques have been added to include all those who lost their lives or gave service in conflicts up to 1995.
“Many families of those named on the Memorial, are still living in the area today. Sharing photos of the Memorial, and those who attended services to pay their respects, is an important way to highlight the significance of the cenotaph for future generations.”
This ANZAC Day (25th April 2021), the Kelmscott Scouts will be holding an overnight vigil and dawn service at the cenotaph in Rushton Park from 6am. The ceremony will provide a timely opportunity to commemorate this 100 year anniversary and pay our respects to those fallen soldiers.
If you have historic photos of the Kelmscott War Memorial that you would be willing to share, please contact BLSL@armadale.wa.gov.au.
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