Forest Hill War Memorial (Digger)

About

The impressive sandstone monument rises to a height of approximately 4.5 metres and is surmounted by a life-sized statue of an Australian infantry soldier standing at ease and resting one hand on the tree trunk support - the pose repeatedly used by Lowthers for their war memorials and possible a unique Queensland variant of the familiar soldier statue. The tall pedestal is circular and has a recessed portion with a moulded laurel wreath and five small columns. The monument rests on a concrete stepped foundation and a rusticated base of brown sandstone, in contrast with the white sandstone used for the pedestal and statue. There is a metal flagstaff in front of the monument, while the memorial reserve is surrounded by a fence of posts and chains. Additional Information The Forest Hill War Memorial was erected by the Forest Hill Memorial League in 1921, in a small reserve adjacent to the railway line. The masons for the monument were PJ Lowther and Sons of Brisbane, who were also responsible for memorials in Brisbane (the pedestal for the South African memorial), Blackbutt, Murgon, Goodna, Mount Perry and Tiaro. It is possible that the monument was actually carved by Charles Lowther, sculptor son of this Brisbane masonry family, and an ex-serviceman who fought with the Australian Light Horse in the First World War. The monument cost 300, and was unveiled by five mothers of fallen soldiers. A plate with the names of World War 2 servicemen was added at a later stage.