The Cenotaph, Martin Place

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Upcoming ceremonies, commemorations and events.

Custodians

RSL NSW is the Custodian of the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney.

Cenotaph Booking

Request a booking for a commemoration or ceremony at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney.

Dedication 8 August 1927

Unveiled 21 February 1929

The Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney was commissioned to commemorate the Australian soldiers and sailors who died in service during the First World War. The location was chosen by the RSL in 1923, as many returned veterans associated it with recruiting programs and patriotic rallies conducted throughout the First World War.

The word Cenotaph means empty tomb, a monument in honour of a person whose body is elsewhere. The word is derived from the Greek Kenos – empty, Taphos – a tomb, Kenotaphlion – Cenotaph. The inscription “To Our Glorious Dead” on what is considered the main face of the monument is therefore appropriate.

It is guarded by the two statutes: solider Corporal William Piogott Darby, and sailor Leading Seaman John William Vercoe. The silent witnesses of history.

Each statue symbolises the broader experiences of our servicemen and women – stories of resilience, courage, and a profound sense of duty that transcend generations. This Cenotaph reminds us not only of the gallantry but also the personal stories and sacrifices of all who have served this country.

The model for the soldier was Corporal William Pigott Darby of the 15th Infantry Battalion and 4th Field Ambulance AIF who died in Brisbane on the 15th November 1935 at the age of 63.

The model for the sailor was Leading Seaman John William Varcoe. He enlisted 3rd June 1913, served on HMAS “Pioneer” 1914 – 1916 in German East Africa and on HMAS “Parramatta” 1917 – 1919. He was awarded the DSM in 1918 and died in October 1948, aged 61.

The first reference to the erection of a “memorial shaft” in Martin Place appeared in 1924. The RSL State Executive of the day asked for one condition – that the Cenotaph be erected in Martin Place.
It was important that:

The Memorial be placed at the location a number of soldiers had enlisted during the First World War.
The Cenotaph was located in Martin Place, the centre of the city.
The Cenotaph be created as a place of formal and informal commemoration of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of Australia.

On 8 March 1926 Premier, Mr Jack Lang announced that the Government would provide a sum of £10,000 for the commissioning of Sir Bertram Mackennal to undertake the design and erection of the Cenotaph, to be completed by 25 April 1929.

The Cenotaph’s altar stone was dedicated in front of 10,000 people on 8th August 1927. Admiral Sir Dudley de Chair, Governor of NSW laid the first wreath on behalf of the citizens of NSW, Premier Lang performed the dedication, Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel delivered a speech in which he explained the significance of the dedication date, and Alderman JH Mostyn accepted the monument on behalf of the Council and citizens of the City of Sydney.

The altar stone was used for commemorations until the Cenotaph, complete with statues, was unveiled on 21 February 1929, which was the anniversary of the Australian Light Horse entering Jericho. Sir John Monash delivered an address and Premier of NSW Sir Thomas Rainsford Bavin performed the unveiling.

Custodian of the Cenotaph

RSL NSW is the Custodian of the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney.

As Custodian’s, RSL NSW works with the City of Sydney on the preservation and maintenance of the memorial and is responsible for approving all commemorations and ceremonies held at the site.

RSL NSW Cenotaph Attendants are present at all approved commemorations and ceremonies. They are responsible for preparing the site, assisting guests during wreath laying and ensuring the appropriate flags are flown. Cenotaph Attendants are a voluntary role for Service Members of the League.

For 78 years, Mr Walter (Wally) Scott-Smith OAM was a Cenotaph Attendant, becoming Chief Attendant in 1999, a position he held until his retirement on ANZAC Day 2018, aged 96. In 1937 – at just 15 years old – Wally applied for the Tank Corps but he was unable to enlist due to several rounds of surgery for cancer. However, Wally was still determined to serve his country. He joined Scouts Australia and in 1946, was asked to become a Cenotaph Attendant.

Wally never missed an ANZAC Eve or ANZAC Day during his time in service at the Cenotaph, his first Dawn Service was in 1947 a year after he commenced as an attendant whilst serving with the Scouts. The Cenotaph Attendants, under Wally’s instruction, manned the Cenotaph from about 7.00pm on ANZAC Eve and did not leave until the start of the ANZAC Day March at 9.00am on ANZAC Day. One year, Wally discharged himself from hospital with a self-medicating device attached to his arm so as not to be absent from his place of duty.

He was known personally by all Governors of NSW, Premiers of NSW and other members of the ex-service committee during his tenure. He was a Sydney icon on the Cenotaph and has been photographed on the Cenotaph in Scout Uniform and in later years his RSL blazer and tie.

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999, Wally was a dedicated and reliable attendant of the highest order, his longevity of volunteer service to the RSL through the Cenotaph shows the great characteristics of endurance, honour and sacrifice. Values similar to the ANZAC Spirit.

Mr Walter (Wally) Scott Smith OAM

6 September 1922 – 17 August 2019