The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Incorporated

The Bushwalker War Memorial Plaque at Splendour Rock

A decision was made in 1947 to erect a bushwalkers' war memorial, and is recorded thus in the The Bushwalker magazine of December, 1947:

Plans for the memorial to bush walkers who gave their lives in World War Two have been accepted by Federation and a Committee consisting of the President, Tom Moppett and Brian Harvey (both of S.B.W.), has been entrusted with their completion.

The proposal to choose and name a suitable peak in the Gangerang Region has had to be abandoned as all peaks worthy of such high dedication already carry a familiar name. The alternative accepted is to affix a brass plate with bold, raised lettering, to Splendour Rock, that magnificent view-point at the Southern end of Mount Dingo. Here, where the eye is drawn to the glory of Kanangra Walls, surely the spiritual home of bush walkers, is a spot beloved of many of those whom we seek to honour.

The plan was carried out & at sunrise, on Anzac Day, 1948, the simple bronze plaque commemorating the memory of Bushwalkers who fell in World War II was unveiled at Splendour Rock, Mount Dingo, in the heart of the Wild Dog Mountains by Paddy Pallin in the presence of the President Stanley Cottier and between 80-90 Bushwalkers. "Those familiar landmarks - Mt Cloudmaker, the Gangerang Range, Mt Paralyser and Mt Gouougang - a spiritual home of the Bushwalkers - all lie within our gaze from this wonderful viewpoint. We could wonder how often had our fallen comrades gazed in happiness upon this scene that we still enjoy?

Upon this rock, as sunrise lit the cliffs they loved so well, was placed a permanent record that we honoured those known & unknown Bushwalkers, who gave their lives for our freedom. And, their splendour shall never fade! !

Bushwalkers known to have fallen in World War II

BRUCE ELDER Coast & Mountain Walkers R.A.N.
KENNETH GRENFELL Rucksack Club R.A.A.F .
REG. HEWITT Sydney Bush Walkers A.I.F .
GEORGE LODER Trampers Club R.A.A.F .
JAMES McCORMACK Y.M.C.A. Ramblers R.A.A.F.
GORDON MANNELL Sydney Bush Walkers R.A.A.F .
MAC NICHOLS Y.M.C.A. Ramblers A.I.F.
ARNOLD RAY Coast & Mountain Walkers R.A.A.F.
CHARLES ROBERTS Coast & Mountain Walkers A.I.F.
NORMAN SAILL Sydney Bush Walkers R.A.A.F.
GORDON SMITH Sydney Bush Walkers A.I.F.
GORDON TOWNSEND Coast &. Mountain Walkers R.A. A. F .
JACK WALL Campfire Club R.A.A.F .

LEST WE FORGET !!

Each Anzac Day at dawn, a commemoration is conducted at Splendour Rock. This is currently led by the Nepean Bushwalkers.