There are many hundreds of names along the walk. If you are looking for a family member's paver,
this link will tell you where to look.
Because, in my other life, I write a lot of Australian history, this particular memorial paver on the left means a lot to me, because I once wrote a history of the Kokoda campaign, and nobody knowing the story can fail to hold the 39th battalion in high regard. The American General MacArthur, an infamous coward known to his own troops as 'Dugout Doug', said of the 39th and 51st battalions that they could not be fighting hard enough, because not enough of them were being killed. The simple fact of the matter was that by staying alive, and wearing the Japanese down, the militia held back a much larger force. In the end, Australia's trained and battle-hardened troops returned to Australia, and moved in to relieve the survivors.
As a side note here, that supposed military genius, Winston Churchill, tried to divert the AIF, so they could defend India, Britain's Imperial "Jewel in the Crown". Churchill ordered the troop ships to turn, and they did so, leaving Australia defenceless. Prime Minister John Curtin had a word with President Roosevelt, and Churchill caved in, sulkily. The story could have been very different.
Australia's answer to MacArthur in the cowardice stakes, later accused the AIF of running like rabbits. No further comment. The soldiers who faced enemy fire are recorded here, so he is not. The abbreviation KIA means 'Killed in Action'.
This is brick-paved and wheelchair friendly, taking you past some excellent wildflowers, and even a
rare and endangered tree, good views through the trees. It is a war memorial, and as such, should
be entirely free of bicycles at all times. It is not at all unusual to see an echidna along there.
The track begins where you see on the right, just near the information centre (closed at the moment) and the Bella Vista
cafe (Node X on the map). There are two disabled parking spots closest to the walkway, and
more parking close by. You don't really need instructions: just head east and follow the (non-yellow)
brick road.
As mentioned, there is one specimen of an endangered gum tree along here on the left, Eucalyptus camfieldii. Because of its status, no further detail will be given, but ask the people in light blue shirts, and you may get to see it. There are a few of these gum trees on North Head: we are caring for them, and trying to establish more.
There are bays featuring the different campaigns in which Australian armed forces have been involved.
The stone work is sawn sandstone, usually referred to as "Gosford Stone".
Keep watching for wildlife!
Note that you can also continue on to a number of other tracks, including the east side track.
This file is http://members.ozemail.com.au/~macinnis/nhead/memorial.htm.
The home page for this site is
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~macinnis/nhead/index.htm<
The page was first created on 11 January 2019, updated 1 August 2020.