19th Battalion war memorial at Cashmere

19th Battalion war memorial at Cashmere

19th Battalion memorial park 19th Battalion memorial park 19th Battalion memorial park 19th Battalion memorial park 19th Battalion memorial park19th Battalion memorial park 19th Battalion memorial park 19th Battalion memorial park 19th Battalion memorial park 19th Battalion memorial park

The 19th Infantry Battalion memorial park and picnic area is situated behind the Information Centre in Victoria Park, Cashmere, Christchurch.

There is a rest area beside the road and above it there is a memorial rock, two-thirds of it buried, with a plaque on it.  Above that there is a plain table with a plaque listing the battles in which the battalion saw action and naming the fallen.

The whole area is bounded by four blocks of 19 trees from each area where the battalion fought – Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy – and four blocks of native trees which signify those who returned but have since died.

There is also a memorial tree that was planted by the original crew of HMNZS Kiwi in April 1985 and a plaque to those who paid the supreme sacrifice.

In spring the area is a sea of daffodils that have been planted over the years by the families of the soldiers. Every Anzac Day there is a service there.

Community contributions

4 comments have been posted about 19th Battalion war memorial at Cashmere

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Kevin Rench

Posted: 18 Sep 2023

My uncle Dave Rench was the R,S,M.I was privileged to have great conversations with him.He is always in my heart.My Father and uncle George were in the 7 Field Company RNZE.

Anonymous

Posted: 11 Jan 2021

19th Battalion veterans Ray Falloon, Max Swinburn and Freddy Varnham and their exploits are briefly mentioned in JGM Holms' book "Not Just Ordinary Blokes.'

Colin Steele

Posted: 17 Jul 2014

For a detailed explanation of the significance of the area refer to http://www.nzine/features/vic_park_memorial.html

The site has been maintained by returned soldiers from the 19th and the Christchurch City Council. With the passing of time the ranks of the original returned servicemen have been decimated and in 2013 their functions were handed over to the Guardians of the 19th, an organisation that is comprised of members of the families of the 19th servicemen, other service people and other interested people.

The ANZAC service commences at 8:30 am

Colin Steele

Posted: 20 Mar 2013

The correct full name for the regiment is '19th Battalion and Armoured Regiment'