Historical information

The Boer War Memorial was created by sculptor James White in honour of Australian Soldiers who fought in the South African War (1899-1902). White used the electrolytic copper deposit method to produce this large statue, which is sometimes mistaken for a cast bronze work. The Foundation stone was laid on 18 May 1901 by H.R.H The Duke of York (George V). The sculpture was unveiled on the 1st November 1906 by His Excellency Baron Northcote G.C.I.E., C.B. Governor General of Australia and then Mayor of Ballarat, J. J. Brokenshire. Bravery and mateship are beautifully captured in depiction of a scene taken straight from the battlegrounds. Today the memorial is a much-photographed tribute and exploration of the friendships and struggles of men at war. A proud cavalry horse bears the weight of two men in the chaos of the battlefield. The Boer War in Africa was an early example of the Australian Colonies sacrificing men and equipment for Britain to defend it’s Empire against colonial insurgence.

Significance

The memorial is of historical and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat.

Physical description

Horse and figures, bronze mounted on bluestone base and granite plinth, plaques list the war dead. The artwork depicts two soldiers and a horse. A British soldier is being succoured by an Australian mounted rifleman.

Inscriptions & markings

In honour of Australian Soldiers who fought in South Africa 1899-1902.
Foundation stone laid 18th May 1901 by H.R.H The Duke of York (George V). Unveiled 1st November 1906 by His Excellency Baron Northcote G.C.I.E., C.B. Governor General of Australia. J. H. Barker Chairman. J. J. Brokenshire Mayor