‘Memorial for peace’: New Baldivis War Memorial pays tribute to fallen soldier

Baldivis celebrated the opening of its war memorial site with a special tribute to fallen soldier Arthur Peter Knight after almost five years in the making. In 2018, Member for Baldivis Reece Whitby received an email from Tranby College student Jess Abbott asking for help to establish a memorial site in Baldivis. Ms Abbott comes from a family of proud military service with her mum, dad and brother all having served. With the help and support of her family, the Baldivis War Memorial — Friends and Supporters Group, was formed. The Abbott family worked with members of the group to establish a suitable location for the memorial site and met local planning requirements in the lead up to the development of the site. Through funding from the State Government Mr Whitby was able to make the memorial site a reality. The memorial site also features a special tribute to Baldivis boy Mr Knight, who gave his life for Australia in the Pacific during the Second World War. The British-born soldier arrived in Australia when he was just seven years old to start a new life with his family. Mr Knight was one of the first students to attend Baldivis State School, today known as Baldivis Primary School. In 1935, he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy and was later assigned to a corvette HMAS Armidale in 1942. HMAS Armidale was on a mission to recover commandos who had been captured by the Japanese. He bravely fought with the HMAS Armidale crew but was killed during the battle. Mr Knight’s story is told on the panels at the memorial site. Mr Whitby said that Baldivis is known as a “navy town” and home to hundreds of servicemen and women. “The memorial is dedicated to peace and will be a place of quiet reflection to remember and acknowledge the sacrifice and contribution of all servicemen and women from all services, veterans, those serving today and their families,” he said. Mr Whitby said that it was important to share Mr Knight’s story, as this is one example of the “courage” and “sacrifice” that so many servicemen and women commit to in Australia. “As Peter’s own nephew said in his (speech), this should not be a memorial for war, but a memorial for peace. “A constant reminder to all who come here and reflect, of the terrible cost and sacrifice we must strive to avoid by working for peace, security and freedom,” he said. The memorial is located next to the Steel Tree Cafe on Clyde Avenue. All are encouraged to visit the site.