This memorial was dedicated to the memory of the fallen of the First World War and unveiled on 12 July 1925, by Lieutenant-Governor W.C. Nichol. An estimated 3,000 people gathered to witness the unveiling. Among the dignitaries who attended were Victoria Cross recipient Colonel Cy Peck and lawyer Lindley Crease, who had been the chairman of the war memorial committee.
The Victoria War Memorial was built by public subscription from fundraising that started in September 1924. Frederick Bernard Pemberton played a key role in organizing the committee, coming up with a design for the memorial and seeing it built. He enlisted his friend, Lindley Crease, to lead the fundraising drive. The bronze statue was created by sculptors Vernon and Sydney March.
Later inscriptions were added for the Second World War, Korean War and Afghanistan.
