Barraba First World War 33rd Battalion Soldiers Memorial

About

The memorial is a metal panel surrounded by a metal frame, supported by two metal posts. It is located in a garden bed at the corner of Queen and Maude Streets in the Barraba central business district. It lists those Barraba and district soldiers who served in the 33rd Battalion in the First World War. Accompanying the names are the service details and photographs of six soldiers.  Barraba historian Robert Sweeney O.A.M. provided the following information: Councillor Warren Woodley O.A.M. and the Barraba military history group provided funds for the erection of this memorial plaque. The plaque was unveiled on 10 November 2012 by Mr Woodley and Mr Andy Crowley whose father and uncle served in the 33rd Battalion; Arthur Crowley and Clive Crowley DCM (killed in action). The 33rd Battalion was formed in January 1916 at the Armidale Showground in NSW. Most of the recruits came from the New England Region and were referred to as 'New England's Own'. The first and only commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Morshead. The battalion served in France and Belgium in 1916 to 1918. In 1918, they took part in the final offensive at the Battle of Amiens on 8 August which led to Germany's defeat. They disbanded in May 1919 (Source: Australian War Memorial '33rd Australian Infantry Battalion').

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