Glebe Island Memorial
Details:
The monument can be seen on the east side of Sommerville Road after taking the road curve.
Monument
An obelisk commemorating the first landing of the American Armed Forces at Port Jackson (Port of Sydney) during the Second World War, which took place on 28 March 1942. It was erected jointly by the Maritime Services Board of NSW (M.S.B.) and the NSW Department of Railways. It was unveiled and dedicated on 26 November 1946 by Premier of New South Wales, Sir William McKell, G.C.M.G. At the dedication, the M.S.B. Board undertook to maintain the memorial in perpetuity, and to lay wreaths each year during the then 'Australia-America Week'.
From 1946 to the 1980s, a ceremony was conducted every year during Coral Sea Week, on the nearest weekday to 30 May, which is America's Memorial Day, their equivalent to Australia's Anzac Day.
During the war, over 1,000,000 American servicemen and 5,000,000 tons of U.S. war material were transported through Port Jackson, mainly via the Glebe Island wharfage area, and handled by the M.S.B. and the Department of Railways.
The monument stands on three steps, with two flagpoles positioned behind it. It is the focal point of 'Monument Lookout', a small paved area at the top of the hill on Sommerville Road. Looking back across the old Glebe Island wharfage area, container terminal, and car storage terminal areas, you see across Johnston's Bay and Millers Point, towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The monument was dismantled and relocated to its present position due to the redevelopment of the area.
Source of information and images: www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au
Monument Text:
Plaque 1:
Commemorating the first landing of U.S. Armed Forces at the Port of Sydney on 28th March 1942.
During the Second World War 1000000 personnel and 5000000 tons of material followed and were transported by the NSW Department of Railways.
Roy L. Schuyler, Colonel Infantry U.S. Army Commanding.
George H. Faulks ESQ. President Maritime Services Board New South Wales.
T. J. Hartigan ESQ. Commissioner Department of Railways New South Wales.
Plaque 2:
Unveiled on 28th November 1946 by The Hon. W.J. McKell K. C. M.L.A. Premier of New South Wales.
