Victoria Cremation Memorial

Victoria

Location Information:

This memorial is in Springvale War Cemetery, which is on the Princes Highway, 15 miles by road from Melbourne. The memorial takes the form of bronze panels affixed to the rear wall of the shelter which stands behind the Cross of Sacrifice. On these panels the names are inscribed, together with an inscription which reads:- 1939-1945 THE SERVICEMEN WHO ARE HONOURED HERE DIED IN VICTORIA. THEIR REMAINS WERE CREMATED AND THE ASHES SCATTERED OR BURIED WHERE FULL COMMEMORATION COULD NOT BE GIVEN.

Historical Information:

Since the early part of the 20th century the ancient practice of cremation instead of burial has been increasingly observed, and during the war this last rite was accorded to servicemen and women when desired. The Victoria Cremation Memorial commemorates 75 servicemen who died in Victoria and whose remains were cremated and the ashes scattered or buried where commemoration was not possible.