History

The Clunes War Memorial commemorates the men from Clunes and the surrounding district who lost their lives during the First World War, together with those who died in the Second World War. While the memorial honours all who served, these names represent those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

First World War (1914–1918)

• Edward Andrews

• Henry Brunston

• Allan Barrett

• John Breen

• Robert Cowan

• Francis Connelly

• James Campbell

• Clarence Campbell

• John Dwyer

• Hector Frith

• Joe Foley

• James Grenfell

• Richard Grenfell

• Dan Jones

• Charles Jones

• Francis Jones

• Gus Smithson

• Malcolm King

• Albert King

• Hugh Lee

• Nicholas Laneghan

• John Moore

• Arthur Ogier

• Robert Oliver

• Horace Pickford

• Roy Payne

• John Purcell

• Colin Robertson

• John Roberts

• Kempson Skellet

• Albert Thomas

• Clarence Thomas

• Stanley Williamson

• Peter McDonald

Second World War (1939–1945)

• Private J. Carkett

• Gunner W. Dowie

• Flight Sergeant W. Fawcett

• Flight Sergeant H.K. Lucy

• Flying Officer P.W.W. Richardson

• Private L. Robbins

• Flying Officer W.J. Tolliday

Iraq (2005)

• Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel RAF

Following the end of the First World War, communities across Australia sought meaningful ways to honour those who had served and remember those who never returned. Like many country towns, Clunes had answered the call to service in remarkable numbers, with local families making enormous sacrifices during the conflict. Determined that those sacrifices would never be forgotten, the people of Clunes raised funds through public subscription to erect a permanent memorial in the centre of town.

The Clunes War Memorial was officially unveiled on 19 November 1921 by the renowned First World War commander Brigadier Harold "Pompey" Elliott. Standing at the intersection of Fraser and Service Streets, the memorial occupies a commanding position overlooking the historic township. Constructed on a bluestone base with a polished granite pedestal and crowned by a marble statue of an Australian soldier, it was originally erected to commemorate those from Clunes and the surrounding district who enlisted during the Great War, while especially honouring the thirty-one local men who lost their lives.

As Clunes continued to grow, so too did the story told by the memorial. Following the Second World War, additional inscriptions were added to recognise those who served in later conflicts, including the Second World War, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam and subsequent peacekeeping operations. In this way, the memorial evolved alongside the community it represents, ensuring each generation of service men and women was remembered with equal respect. Major conservation works undertaken in 2006-2007 carefully restored the monument, preserving it for future generations.

Today, the memorial remains the focal point of Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations, where residents gather to honour those who served and reflect upon the cost of war. Together with the nearby Former London Chartered Bank, now home to the Clunes RSL, it continues to form the spiritual heart of remembrance within the town. More than a century after its unveiling, the Clunes War Memorial remains one of the community's most important and enduring landmarks.

Architectural Features

Standing approximately 17 feet (5.2 metres) high, the memorial is a classic example of the First World War "digger" memorials erected throughout regional Victoria during the early 1920s. A bluestone foundation supports a polished granite pedestal, while a life-sized marble Australian soldier stands at attention above, symbolising duty, sacrifice and remembrance.

The principal inscription bears the words:

"Pass not this stone in sorrow but with pride, and may you live as nobly as they died."

The names of those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars are engraved on the sides of the monument, ensuring the memorial serves not only as an architectural landmark but also as a permanent record of the district's service and sacrifice. Positioned at one of the principal entrances to Fraser Street, it provides a fitting gateway to the historic heart of Clunes and remains one of the town's most recognisable landmarks.