About the Memorial

The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial provides the opportunity to reflect on the lives of the men and women who suffered at the hands of the enemy, and to pay special tribute to the memory of the thousands who died in foreign prison camps.

Boer War: approx 200 - those who died = 4.
First World War: more than 4,000 - those who died = more than 300.
Second World War: more than 30,000 - those who died = more than 8,000.
Korean War: 29 - those who died = 1.

Lest We Forget

The Memorial is a mark of respect from a grateful nation.

Taking its place proudly along side Ballarats other significant war memorials, the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial is located in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Victoria, Australia. See also Australian Ex-POW Memorial.

A Journey of Honour, Rememberance and Healing

We invite you to make this compelling journey.

The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial is a dramatic and highly symbolic tribute to the sacrifice made by more than 35,000 young Australian service men and women in four theatres of war.

At the heart of the monument is a stark, 130 metre long, highly polished black granite wall, engraved with the names of all Australian prisoners of war. The names on this honour roll are listed in historical order from the Boer War in 1899, through to the Korean War in 1953. It is a testament to the contribution made by so many.

Standing sentinel at the centre of the Memorial are six huge basalt obelisks, etched with the names of all the countries where Australians were held prisoner of war. The obelisks stand in a large reflective pool, set back from the central pathway, symbolising the distance that separated Australias prisoners of war from their homes and their loved ones.

Opposite the pool is a larger obelisk flanked by flagpoles and a ceremonial stone on which to lay wreaths.

The central pathway is itself symbolic, with each of the paving stones cut in the shape of a railway sleeper. The pathway defines the journey taken by the prisoners of war and the journey visitors take around the monument.

At the end of the granite wall where the pathway ends, visitors face a large stone engraved simply Lest We Forget. Water flows from beneath the stone, along the base of the granite wall and into the reflection pool in which the obelisks stand. This cycle of flowing water, symbolising spirituality, healing, cleansing, birth and rebirth, guides visitors on their journey through the Memorial.

The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial concept and design is by Peter Blizzard (sculptor).

For there are deeds that should not pass away,
And names that must not be forgotten
Lord Byron