Nanango War Memorial (Digger)

About

A marble full sized digger standing at ease. The memorial is covered with name plaques, and is surrounded by brick paving and a fence with white concrete posts and chains. Each post carries the names of World War II ex-service personnel. The whole memorial is framed by two towers with lights on top, and the word NANANGO across the centre. A. Gasagrande of Italy prepared the digger and A L Petrie and Son of Brisbane prepared the pedestal. Pillars listing World War II names were added around the memorial on 25 April 1967. Names include 1 Chaplain and 5 Nurses for World War I, and 20 names under Women's Services for World War II. Plaques around the memorial are headed Enlistments and list 330 names for World War I. The pillars around the perimeter of the memorial carry a combined services badge 1939–1945, and list 421 names for World War II. Of these 32 carry a star, denoting killed in action. Many family names are repeated. In total there are 814 names inscribed on this memorial in a country town. Additional Information Autumn Park is the perfect setting for the National Serviceman s Memorial where the lit flag will fly day and night as a constant reminder of the contribution of the young men who served. National Service was introduced in 1951 and continued to 1972 during which time 187 were killed in action and 1479 wounded. All who served their time were issued with an official medal bearing their name and number. This record placed them on an official list as a reserve and until aged 55 they could be called up in the event of war.