While we were roaming around Rotorua earlier this year I saw this memorial within the old Government Gardens which commemorates Fred Wylie who was a young soldier from Galatea (located in the Bay of Plenty). Apparently he fought in the Boer War with the 4th New Zealand Contingent and was the son of the first store keeper in Rotorua.
He was killed leading an attack at Klipfontein on 26th May 1901 and was as "brave as a lion" according to the inscription, which might explain the lion's head fountain on front of the statue. The project to create the memorial was initiated by the people of Galatea and unveiled on 1904.
Linking up with Our World Tuesday, Tuesday Treasures, Through my lens, My corner of the world and Wordless Wednesday.
13 comments:
Interesting. Not heard of him before.
Great to see a statue honoring a hero.
He, or his father, must have been well liked and respected locally.
Impressive monument.
...the Boer War is one of many wars that I don't have a lot of knowledge of. The statue is is a handsome one! Thanks Amy for sharing today, I hope that that your week is going well.
I wonder how he came to be chosen. A man who fought like a lion. His family must have been very proud of him.
A nice statue for honoring a hero.
Imposing statue!
Happy Wednesday, Amy.
I´ll never get the concept of war much.
In some countries, yes, to save women. Oh, how selfish am I thinking...
Nice Lion, says Henry.
Thank you for showing me this journey
The statue looks so impressive. Nice to know about him.
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Thanks so much for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2021/10/i-dont-like-that-there.html
Such a great memorial. That's one thing I really like about NZ with the fallen being honored in each town.
Thanks for sharing your link at My Corner of the World this week!
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