On the west side of the road.

A bronze plaque mounted on a stone base honoring the camaraderie and friendship shared between the U.S. Marines of the 1st Marine Division and the people of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, during the Marines stay in early 1943 during World War II. The tablet features the emblem of the United States Marine Corps.

In early 1943, following the Guadalcanal campaign, the 11th U.S. Marine Regiment, part of the 1st Marine Division, was stationed at Victoria Park in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia for rest and recuperation. About 1,200 Marines lived in a tented encampment from January to October 1943, using the site as a temporary home while recovering from combat and tropical disease.

Source of information: www.ballarat.vic.gov.au

Source of photo: placesofpride.awm.gov.au

A TREE THAT LOOKS AT GOD ALL DAY

AND LIFTS HER LEAFY ARMS TO PRAY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

1st MARINE DIVISION

THIS TREE IS TO COMMEMORATE THE

FRIENDSHIP ESTABLISHED BETWEEN

THE UNITED STATES MARINES AND

THE CITIZENS OF BALLAARAT DURING

THEIR SOJOURN HERE IN EARLY 1943