Muradup War Memorial

Statement of Significance

The Muradup War Memorial is believed to be the oldest war memorial in Western Australia.

Physical Description

Situated on the south side of the Donnybrook Road/Piesse Street corner, the Muradup War Memorial is a brick and marble obelisk approx. 8ft high and 3ft wide. It is set behind a white picket and chain fence with a backdrop of natural bush. The Muradup Sports Ground is close by. On the marble panels are inscribed the names of those people from the district who volunteered for WWI and WWII.

History

The Memorial was erected by the Muradup Football and Cricket Club in 1916. The building of the memorial was confirmed in January 1916 at a meeting of the Muradup Cricket Club. The idea was that the memorial contain all the names of the cricket and football club members who had left for the Front for active service, which at the time of the meeting numbered 17. When the memorial was unveiled in September 1916, by Mr F J Blood, the names were listed on one marble tablet, leaving the other 3 sides free to eventually contain the names of men in the future. The initial tablet already contained the names of men who had died.
The names of those who lost their lives during the wars were listed on two panels. The front panel commemorates those who died in WWI and the side panels commemorates those who died in WWII.

Not only Muradup people are listed but some from Jingalup and Kojonup, who were also associated with the Cricket Club, are also remembered.

The location of the Memorial is significant in that prior to 1952-5 the area was the avenue of the annual Easter Sports events. It was also the location of the tennis courts which were moved in the early 1980's to behind the Muradup Hall.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - high
Authenticity - high

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.