The Citizens’ War Memorial was unveiled in 1937. Located in Cathedral Square, the 16 metre high memorial comprises of six figures cast on bronze, positioned around a central stone cross.
The six symbolic figures are:
- Seated in the centre with outstretched arms in an attitude of SACRIFICE, this figure is symbolic of the Mothers of the Empire grieving for their sons. She is flanked by...
- St George in armour representing VALOUR and protection, and another figure holds a torch representing YOUTH. On the next level are...
- PEACE with an olive branch and a dove in hand, and JUSTICE, blindfolded and holding scales.
- The angel at the top was to be named “Victory”, but the War Memorial Committee decided against this and it has no name. Bending a sword with raised arms is in reference to the Bible verse Isaiah 2:4.
The engraving on the base reads "In grateful remembrance of the sons and daughters of Canterbury who fell in the Great War 1914-1918. Give peace in our time o Lord".
After the Christchurch earthquakes, the memorial needed repairing and was disassembled and placed in storage for a time. In 2023, the repairs were completed and the memorial rededicated in a special service attended by HRH Princess Anne.
The memorial is a place where locals and visitors can pay their respects and acknowledge those who have given their lives for our country.
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/christchurch-war-memorial
https://canterburystories.nz/exhibitions/places-christchurch-war-memorials/citizens-war-memorial
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/citizens-war-memorial/
Photo: Roger Wong