The Bridge of Remembrance

The Bridge of Remembrance which links Oxford and Cambridge Terraces over the Avon River at Cashel Street was opened on Armistice Day, 11 November 1924 by the Governor-General, Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Jellicoe, who had previously laid the foundation stone on Anzac Day, 25 April 1923. It was reopened as a pedestrian precinct on Anzac Day 1977 by Capt. C H Upham, VC and bar. The Bridge was designed by architects Prouse and Gummer, who won the architectural competition out of 24 entries.

The Bridge and its Arch of Remembrance serve as a memorial to service men and women of two World Wars and subsequent conflicts in Korea, Malaya, Borneo, and Vietnam. It replaces an earlier bridge over which many thousands of soldiers marched en route from the barracks to the railway station and overseas service.

In the central frame of the arch is the inscription "Quid non pro patria" (What will a man not do for his country). The Bridge also features a number of unit memorials and a memorial plaque to Charles Upham VC.

In 1989, Stage 1 of the Bridge refurbishment was completed with Stage 2 commencing in September 1991. It was completed in April 1992. A commemorative plaque dedication ceremony was held on 21 June 1992.

More information

• Public Art in Central Christchurch: Bridge of Remembrance

Related pages

• ANZAC day
• New Zealanders in World War 1
• New Zealanders in World War 2

Sources

This was originally derived from the Christchurch City Council handbook of 1998.