The Australian War Memorial, 80 years on.
The Australian War Memorial was unveiled to the public by the Governor-General, Lord Gowrie on November 11, 1941. Over 5000 people attended the event including the Prime Minister John Curtin, General Sir Thomas Blamey, and 18 recipients of the Victoria Cross. In the 80 years since countless Australians have made the pilgrimage to the site of national remembrance and honour.
Aerial view of the Australian War Memorial taken the day before the official opening of the Memorial on Remembrance Day 1941.
The Memorial is more than a monument. Inside the sandstone building, with its copper-clad dome, selections from a vast National Collection of war relics, official and private records, art, photographs, film and sound are employed to tell the story of the Australian nation's experience in two world wars, regional conflicts, and international peacekeeping.
In 1927 an architectural competition to design an Australian war memorial failed to produce a clear winner. However, the work of two talented architects from Sydney stood out. As personalities they could not have been more different. One was the flamboyant Emil Sodersteen, the other the more reserved yet no less innovative John Crust. Of all 69 entrants it was only Crust’s design that came in under budget. The two were encouraged to work together and submit a joint design. The new proposal incorporated both Sodersteen's monumental Art Deco vision, with its domed roof to the Hall of Memory, and Crust's concept of arched cloisters to house the Roll of Honour and provide a place for contemplation and remembrance. The joint design was accepted, but building work could not start till 1934. Emil Sodersteen resigned from the project in 1938, leaving the building to be completed by John Crust
As Australia entered the Second World War, the Memorial was still not complete. It finally opened to the public on Remembrance Day, 11 November 1941, providing the essential form of the building we see today. It had been intended to be devoted primarily to the First World War; but it was clear that the new war was even more engulfing, and inevitably the scope of the Memorial would have to expand. In 1941 the government extended the Memorial's charter to include the Second World War; in 1952 it was again extended to include all Australia's wars.
The iconic design that was opened to the public in 1941 still forms the foundation and the heart of the building we see today.
Learn more about the history of the Memorial
https://www.awm.gov.au/john-crust-collection
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/john-crust-memorial-architect
Canberra, ACT. 11 November 1941. Members of the WRANS marching during the parade at the opening day ceremonies at the Australian War Memorial. Nine WRANS, including WR3 Pat Ross, WR1 Frances Provan, WR12 Judy Alley, WR4 Denise Owens, WR2 Joan Furley, WR15 Beatrice Ogilvie, WR7 Daphne Wright, WR10 Joan Hodges and WR6 June Macleod participated in the ceremony. These women were among the initial group of fourteen who formed the WRANS and were drafted to HMAS Harman. (Donor D. Wright)
Canberra, ACT. 11 November 1941. Members of the RAN from HMAS Harman, RAAF from RAAF Base Fairbairn, Cadets from Duntroon Military College, and members of the Women's Royal Australian Navy Service (WRANS) participating in the opening day ceremonies at the Australian War Memorial. Nine WRANS, including WR3 Pat Ross, WR1 Frances Provan, WR12 Judy Alley, WR4 Denise Owens, WR2 Joan Furley, WR15 Beatrice Ogilvie, WR7 Daphne Wright, WR10 Joan Hodges and WR6 June Macleod participated in the ceremony. These women were among the initial group of fourteen who formed the WRANS and were drafted to HMAS Harman. (Donor D. Wright)
Onlookers line the road at the main entrance of the Australian War Memorial at its opening in 1941.
CANBERRA, ACT. 1941-11-11. A VIEW TAKEN FROM THE STEPS OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL, LOOKING SOUTH WEST TOWARDS PARLIAMENT HOUSE, AFTER THE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WAR MEMORIAL. (DONATED BY R. S. CONROW).
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. The Australian War Memorial viewed from the north east. Note the completed copper dome above the Hall of Memory and the Library (centre behind open windows).
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. The Australian War Memorial viewed from the north east. Note the completed copper dome above the Hall of Memory and the Library (centre behind open windows).
Canberra, ACT. 1941-11-10. Aerial view of the western facade and front entrance of the Australian War Memorial. This photograph was taken the day before the official opening of the Memorial on Remembrance Day 1941.
Canberra, ACT. 1941-11-10. Aerial view of the western facade and front entrance of the Australian War Memorial. This photograph was taken the day before the official opening of the Memorial on Remembrance Day 1941.
AERIAL VIEW OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL FROM THE NORTH-WEST, PROBABLY JUST BEFORE THE OFFICIAL OPENING 1941-11-11. LAWNS ARE BEING LAID AND BUILDERS' RUBBLE AND SHEDS CAN BE SEEN.
CANBERRA, ACT, 1941-11-11. RAAF CONTINGENT MARCH IN PARADE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL. IN THE BACKGROUND (RIGHT) IS THE CANBERRA HIGH SCHOOL WITH REID OVAL FAR RIGHT. (DONOR J. CLANCY)
Onlookers line the front entrance of the Australian War Memorial at the ceremony for the building's opening in 1941. Mount Ainslie is visible in the background.
Onlookers line the road at the main entrance of the Australian War Memorial at its opening in 1941.
Onlookers line the road at the main entrance of the Australian War Memorial at its opening in 1941.
First World War naval uniforms on display on mannequins in a showcase at the Australian War Memorial, as seen around the time of the Memorial's opening in 1941.
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. The completed courtyard and copper dome of the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial. Note the artisans working on the wall sculptures below the Cloisters.
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. The Hall of Memory, Dome and Cloisters viewed from the parapet above the entrance to the completed Australian War Memorial.
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. The completed Hall of Memory viewed from the roof above the Western Gallery of the Australian War Memorial.
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. The Hall of Memory viewed from the parapet over the front entrance to the Australian War Memorial.
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. The Courtyard, Hall of Memory and Dome viewed from the entrance of the completed Australian War Memorial.
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. The completed Australian War Memorial viewed from the north east.
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. The completed Australian War Memorial, looking towards its northern facade from a slope on the hill.
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. The Australian War Memorial viewed from the south east slope of the hill below the building. Note the completed copper dome above the Hall of Memory and the horses and carts which transported building supplies to the construction site, and the shed bearing the words Simmie & Co. Plumbers.
CANBERRA, ACT. 1941-11-11. EXTERIOR VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS THE FRONT AND WESTERN SIDE OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL. (DONATED BY R. S. CONROW).
CANBERRA, ACT. 1941-11-11. EXTERIOR VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS THE FRONT AND WESTERN SIDE OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL. (DONATED BY R. S. CONROW).
CANBERRA, ACT. 1941-11-11. EXTERIOR VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS THE FRONT AND WESTERN SIDE OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL. (DONATED BY R. S. CONROW).
Construction of the Australian War Memorial commenced in 1929 with a budget of £250,000. Shown here is a detail of the construction of the Dome in August 1940 with a government official standing central. The building was completed in 1941.
Canberra, ACT. c. 1941. A plaster model of the Australian War Memorial detailing the layout of the proposed lawns and gardens surrounding the building.