New South Wales War Memorials

War Memorials and Honour Rolls in the State of New South Wales, Australia.

Would you like to see the War Memorial from your local area, represented on this website. Please forward us a photograph so that the service of these men and women is not forgotten.

Tuross Head - Raynor McDiarmid & The Red Baron

Whilst it is not the intention of this website to single out any particular individual on a War Memorial, sometimes an interesting story becomes apparent which warrants a mention. Raynor McDIARMID (Service Number 927) was a Lewis Gunner with the 30th Infantry Battalion, 8th Brigade, AIF. On the 21st of April, 1918 - Raynor was situated on an upper slope of a ridge, northwest of Vaux with his Lewis Gun. He wrote in 1959; "I still have a vivid recollection of what took place. There was a good dogfight on somewhere in front of Corbie, and one of the Pom planes dropped out and Richthofen got on his tail. I had a crack at him as he passed but did no good. Our position was fairly high above the valley and I think Richthofen's altitude would be about 300 feet above the valley when I fired. Unfortunately I didn't lead enough and as both planes were coming into the line of sight I only fired 20 rounds at about 150 yards. I recall that the English plane just cleared Vaire Wood. About 10 seconds after I fired, I heard a gun on our left open up. I saw the plane stagger and get out of control. Something was thrown from the plane, which proved to be Richthofen's goggles, but I can't remember the bloke who picked them up, though I knew him - a 30th Battalion man. The only thing I'm crooked about is that I missed him". It was a fortunate ending for the British pilot whom was being chased, but not so fortunate for The Red Baron, Manfred Von Richthofen who died on this day. Whilst Raynor was born in Waverley (Sydney) he settled in Moruya on the Far South Coast of NSW after the war and his family had this plaque laid at nearby Tuross.

Wagga Wagga War Memorial

The Wagga Wagga War Memorial, situated at the northern end of Baylis Street (main street) and Morrow Street, Wagga Wagga. It is contained in a very impressive parkland which also displays a number of other Military Memorials (which are also listed here in the Medals Gone Missing War Memorial Register). The war memorial takes the form of an archway, which opens upon a courtyard - which houses the 'Eternal Flame'. On the cloisters is recorded the names of all of the men and women who have enlisted from the Wagga Wagga District. Of interest is a new scroll which records a list of alterations and additions which have become necessary since the opening of the memorial.

Wagga Wagga boasts a strong contingent who enlisted into the respective 'State' forces for the Boer War (Anglo/Boer War 1899-1902) and this is carried on with names of servicemen of the Great War (1914-1918) and the Second World War. Malaya, Korea, Vietnam and later conflicts.

Eternal Flame - Wagga Wagga War Memorial

The Eternal Flame which is housed within the confines of the courtyard - of the Wagga Wagga War Memorial.

The concept of burning an 'Eternal Flame' is a long held tradition in many cultures and different religions; including Jewish, Greek and Persian customs. As you would expect, the 'Eternal Flames' of old, were fuelled by burning wood or olive oil - however in modern times, the flames are now fed by way of natural gas. This allows a continuous stream of fuel that can be easily regulated.

These flames are primarily used as a symbol to pay homage to; or as an expression to the sense of loss on a national level. None more fitting than the remembrance of sacrifice, made by men and women of the armed services during times of war.

Clifford Henry TRAYNOR NX179966 - Wagga Wagga War Memorial

The name of Private Clifford Henry TRAYNOR, Service Number NX179966 (formerly N479846) to whom this website is dedicated. His name was originally recorded incorrectly on this memorial; and his correct spelling is now listed on the plaque of 'Alterations and Additions' which appears on the cloisters within the confines of the Wagga Wagga War Memorial. Please Click Here to see a photographic image of Private Clifford Henry TRAYNOR.

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