It was decided that the memorial should
incorporate many of the icons that are recognised by
Apprentices as their “heritage” and that it should be a
“living’ Memorial.
The design is based around the gates from Latchford Barracks
that were built by Balcombe Apprentices and moved from
Balcombe when the School moved. These new Memorial gates
were built and donated by ASEME and RAEME. The supporting
walls and columns are based on the design of the original
Marine gates at Balcombe and constructed in cream brick
using English Bond brickwork. A 1.5 metre AAS badge, donated
by Raymond Bertazzo, is the centre feature of the Memorial
and is located in the shouldered reflection pit with the
dedication plaque mounted in front. In the event of
Latchford passing out of Army control, the relocation of the
memorial for Apprentices killed on active service now
located in front of Latchford chapel has been allowed for in
the design. Two small rose gardens flan the front of the
Memorial and the terrace of the Memorial is paved and
includes a number of inscribed pavers donated by Apprentices
as part of the fund raising for the Memorial. A flag pole
will be built and erected to the rear of the reflection pit
by SME trade trainees as a contribution from the RAE about
Easter 2009 and the Apprentice Flag will fly permanently
from this station. The natural bush vegetation will be
retained at the rear of the wall and visible through the
gate.
The Association believes that the memorial should be a
“living” memorial, encompassing the history of the
Apprentices School and complimenting the Apprentice history
found in the Army Museum adjacent to the park. It will be
possible for Apprentices to have a memorial plaque placed on
the wall and also to have their ashes and those of their
spouses deposited in a Memorial Wall. An appropriate service
will be developed for this ceremony.
Redesigned Memorial
Original Memorial
