Damaged World War I statue to be restored in time for Armistice Day anniversary

A PROMINENT World War I statue which was knocked over in a car accident in Melbourne’s west will be returned to its former glory in time for the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.

A PROMINENT World War I statue knocked over in a car accident will be returned to its former glory in time for the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.

The Footscray Memorial Statue memorial, at the corner of Ballarat and Geelong roads, was badly damaged in a car crash in August 2017.

Restoration work is under way, and the granite landmark will be a focus of commemorations on November 11 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

CRASH WRECKS MEMORIAL

Footscray Park entrance without the memorial which was knocked over by a car in August 2017. Source: Google maps

Maribyrnong community services director Clem Gillings said all of the memorial’s components were salvaged after the smash.

“The memorial was severely damaged and only the lower level granite base remains on site,’’ Ms Gillings said.

“Although damaged, the rest of the base structure, columns, entablature, marble figure and bronze components were salvaged.’’

Remains of the memorial after the crash. Picture: Mark Stewart

The car crash caused major damage to the landmark. Picture: Mark Stewart

The memorial features a 6m-high pillar with columns and a statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory.

The council has claimed for the cost of repairs on insurance.

“We aim to have the restoration completed prior to Remembrance Day 2018,’’ Ms Gillings said.

“The memorial will be restored as close to its original state as possible, in line with principles of the Burra Charter and heritage best practice.’’

The memorial has stood at the corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads, Footscray, since 1922. Picture: Mark Stewart

The crash caused significant damage to the memorial. Picture: Mark Stewart

The monument was unveiled in November 1922 by Governor-General Lord Henry Forster.

At the ceremony, Footscray Mayor J.H Stephens said that as many as 3000 men had answered the nation’s call of duty from a local population of about 30,000.

Footscray RSL spokesman Loi Duong said the statue held great importance to the community.

“The restoration is great news, we can’t wait for it to be rebuilt,” he said.

@IanRoyall