OBJECT TITLE / NAME

Balcombe Memorial Gates

MEDIAImage

COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society

REG NO.1313.1

HISTORY

These gates were erected in 1954 by the Australian Army in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the United States Marine Corps. A plaque acknowledged this and another acknowledged the US Army’s appreciation of the friendship and hospitality shown the men of of the 1st Marine Division by the local people. The gates were built by apprentices at Balcombe Army Camp and the plaques were fixed one to each brick gate post. When the gates were unveiled in November 1954 a thousand people attended the opening. The occasion was colourful and historic. A party of American marines, flown to Australia especially for the event, were in full dress uniforms. The unveiling ceremony was carried out by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Dallas Brooks, himself a General of British Marines.

DESCRIPTION

Cream brick walls flanking wrought iron gates, partly open to show gravel drive leading into park with large trees.

SUBJECTS

Gates, Monuments and memorials

KEYWORDS

Balcombe Army Camp, Gates, Monuments and memorials, Mt Martha