RIP & Thank You
Lest we forget
West Terrace Cemetery
Australian Imperial Forces Section
The Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) Cemetery was officially opened in 1920 soon after peace was declared in the Great War 1914-1918. Exclusively for the burial of ex-service personnel it was Australia’s first dedicated military cemetery.
Each grave is respectfully marked with a uniform, white marble headstone, differentiated only by its inscription. The design follows the philosophy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which believes in honouring all soldiers equally, without distinction on account of rank, race or creed.
The only colouring to appear on the standardised headstones is that of the unit badge; which was first introduced in Australia during the First World War to distinguish one regiment from another. This detail is rare among Australian war cemeteries.
Today, the AIF section spans an area of four acres and contains the graves of 4167 ex-service personnel, including four Victoria Cross recipients from the First World War. The cemetery was closed for burials in 1994.
The Cross of Sacrifice, situated prominently in the centre of Light Oval, was unveiled on 12 October 1924. A gift from the Federal Government, it was the first Cross of Sacrifice to be erected in an Australian burial ground.
RIP & Thank You
Lest we forget
West Terrace Cemetery
Australian Imperial Forces Section
The Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) Cemetery was officially opened in 1920 soon after peace was declared in the Great War 1914-1918. Exclusively for the burial of ex-service personnel it was Australia’s first dedicated military cemetery.
Each grave is respectfully marked with a uniform, white marble headstone, differentiated only by its inscription. The design follows the philosophy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which believes in honouring all soldiers equally, without distinction on account of rank, race or creed.
The only colouring to appear on the standardised headstones is that of the unit badge; which was first introduced in Australia during the First World War to distinguish one regiment from another. This detail is rare among Australian war cemeteries.
Today, the AIF section spans an area of four acres and contains the graves of 4167 ex-service personnel, including four Victoria Cross recipients from the First World War. The cemetery was closed for burials in 1994.
The Cross of Sacrifice, situated prominently in the centre of Light Oval, was unveiled on 12 October 1924. A gift from the Federal Government, it was the first Cross of Sacrifice to be erected in an Australian burial ground.