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.
Images and information: Colin Steele, 2010