Busselton War Memorial 104th anniversary marked with flag raising ceremony

At 9am last Saturday the Australian flag was raised over the Busselton war memorial to mark 104 years since it’s dedication.

The Busselton war memorial was originally commissioned by the Busselton community, who raised the sum of 140 pounds to fund the construction of the obelisk.

West Australian sculptor Peitro Porcelli completed the work, and the monument was dedicated, and consecrated on January 6, 1920.

The flag raising ceremony took place in front of a small crowd, that included Busselton Mayor Phil Cronin, Deputy Mayor Ann Ryan, and three members of the Bussell family.

The organiser of the event, Mr Anderson, who is now aged 80, served six years in the RAAF, five years in the 10th Light Horse Regiment, and then a further five years in the RAAF reserves.

“I wanted to mark the anniversary of the dedication of the memorial on January 6, 1920, and I felt a flag raising would be a fitting tribute,” he said.

“Commander in chief of the Australian forces at the time was General Birdwood, and he dedicated the monument.

“Here I am more than a century later at this remarkable landmark, that has been the focal point for memorial services for our fallen, for more than 100 years.

During a short talk before the flag was raised, Mr Anderson thanked the City of Busselton for their support in arranging the flag raising.

Busselton Mayor Phil Cronin, who is also an ex serviceman, then delivered a short speech.

“This ceremony gives us a great opportunity to reflect,” he said.

After the ceremony Vern Bussell showed a photograph of his relative, Alfred Joseph Bussell, who was killed in action in 1918, and whose name is on the memorial.

One of the attendees, a Busselton man with a history of service, but who wished to remain anonymous, expressed a desire to see the existing monument continue to be used.

“Out of respect for the people whose sacrifice it commemorates, and respect for the community that built it, I hope this memorial continues to be the place where we meet to reflect, and to remember,” he said.