Windback Wednesday - Burnside District Fallen Soldiers' Memorial statue, Rose Park

The Burnside District Fallen Soldiers' Memorial statue in Rose Park has stood for almost 100 years, having been unveiled on Sunday 14 December 1924 by Governor of South Australia, Lieutenant General Sir Tom Bridges. The statue depicts a soldier climbing over the top of a trench and turning back to offer a helping hand to his mate. Interestingly, those with knowledge of weaponry will notice that the bolt is on the wrong side of the rifle. The statue was funded by the Burnside Memorial Committee, which commenced fundraising in 1920. Australian artist Charles Web Gilbert was commissioned to design the bronze sculpture.

The Ferdinand Barbedienne Foundry in France cast the figure, which is mounted on a granite plinth with bronze plaques bearing the names of 87 fallen soldiers of the District of Burnside. In August 2022, the City of Burnside consecrated an additional 22 fallen soldiers in a ceremony along the Avenues of Honour.

The Burnside District Fallen Soldiers' Memorial (both the Avenues of Honour and the Memorial Statue) was confirmed as a State Heritage Place in 1989.

Photo: Unveiling ceremony of the 'Helping Hand' bronze statue on 14 December 1924 by Governor Sir Tom Bridges. Burnside Local History Collection.