Shortly after the 1918 Armistice, the Ancient Order of Foresters – Court Shawnigan began a subscription to erect a cenotaph that would forever remember the sacrifices made by local young people. In 1920, they built a cenotaph on a small triangular lot in the center of Cobble Hill Village to commemorate those who fought in the First World War. It was designed and erected by the Vancouver firm of Peterson, Chandler and Stephens. On Sunday, February 15, 1920, it was unveiled by Premier John Oliver, standing in for Lieutenant Governor Colonel The Honourable E.C. Prior who was ill with influenza.
The Foresters added a wrought iron fence and gates, and a German artillery piece and machine gun were placed just outside the fence. The machine gun was stolen and the artillery was removed during the Second World War in a drive for scrap iron. Later, inscriptions were added to the cenotaph for the Second World War.
Through consultation with the Malahat and Cobble Hill Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Cowichan Valley Regional District, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Dutch Community, a new Memorial Park was developed from the old site. In August 2009, the renovated cenotaph was rededicated during the celebration of the 100th Cobble Hill Fair. The memorial was moved about 35 feet east of its original location at the intersection of Heigh Street and Fisher Road, and elevated by almost a foot on a concrete foundation surrounded with red and black pavers. New granite plaques were placed over names which had been damaged over the years and two missing names, Private James McClurg and Lieutenant Geoffrey Hook, were added to the list of those killed during the Great War.
When the obelisk was moved a short distance to its new location, it was discovered that the list of donors reported to be under it was an urban legend. During the renovation a time capsule was placed under the structure before attachment to its new base.
On August 1, 2024, a new plaque was unveiled honouring the Korean War, Peacekeeping, Gulf War, Afghanistan, and in service to Canada. This addition was made possible through the efforts of Malahat Legion and CVRD Area C director Mike Wilson, who together with several generous donors raised nearly $8,000 to refurbish the cenotaph and install the plaque.
To this day, this site is used as a gathering place on Remembrance Day and has historical and cultural significance to the community.
