New Zealand National War Memorial, Wellington

Dedicated in 1932, the National War Memorial is a powerful commemoration of the 300,000 New Zealanders who have served, and nearly 30,000 killed in wars since WW1. Over half died in WW1, in which over 40% of men of military age served with a near 60% casualty rate from battles including Gallipoli and the Somme.

The War Memorial Carillon contains 74 bells, including the third largest bell in the world.

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Inside is the Hall of Memories, home to six small side chapels dedicated to the different branches of the New Zealand Armed Forces that have served in overseas conflicts, leading to an apse and Sanctuary at the southern end.

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Outside the memorial is the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, opened in 2015 to acknowledge the centenary of WW1. The Australian Memorial recognises the close bond between New Zealand and Australia in both war and peace.

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Author: jontycrane

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