Adding Names to a War Memorial Wall: What’s Involved and Why Precision Matters

A war memorial wall may never truly be finished. As new information comes to light and additional military personnel are recognised, careful updates are sometimes required to reflect history more completely.

At Globe Memorial, we work extensively with memorial walls, including those honouring individuals who lost their lives in service to our nation. With ANZAC Day approaching, it is a good time to look more closely at this intricate process that requires much more than technical skill. It requires respect. When working on sites of deep historical and community significance, every new inscription must align with the original design, from font and spacing to depth and finish.

Recently, we completed work on the expansion of a war memorial wall at Voyager Memorial Park in Huskisson.

Overlooking the beauty of Jervis Bay, NSW, Voyager Memorial Park in Huskisson was originally dedicated in 1972. It was again rededicated in February 2026. It honours the 82 lives lost in the 1964 collision between HMAS Voyager and HMAS Melbourne, which was and still is the worst peacetime naval disaster in Australia’s history. Since then, it has evolved into a significant place of remembrance that recognises the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, the Merchant Navy and Women’s Services in both war and peace.

The memorial has been expanded to include features such as the Anzac Wall of Remembrance and the Court of Remembrance. Today, it hosts key services including Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and the anniversary of the Voyager disaster and is managed by the Huskisson RSL Sub-Branch.

Government-supported initiatives, including state and federal war service grants, continue to support the upkeep and development of memorials like Voyager Memorial Park. These programs help communities carry out essential works, from maintenance and restoration to the addition of new elements, so these sites can continue to fulfil their purpose.

At Globe Memorial, we were approached by the president of the Huskisson RSL sub-Branch and entrusted to undertake the sensitive and highly detailed task of updating the existing War Memorial Walls. This work involved permanently commemorating more than 150 additional service personnel by engraving their names, corps of service and relevant dates into the timeless granite.

We were also tasked with amending and correcting several existing inscriptions to ensure historical accuracy and maintain the integrity of the memorial. Respect and absolute precision were critical in integrating the new works with the visual and stylistic features of the originals, so they appear as a natural continuation.

Successful project delivery for War Memorial Walls follows a meticulous, methodical approach that combines technical expertise with a deep appreciation for what the memorial means to the wider community. It begins with a comprehensive on-site assessment of the existing walls.

This process includes evaluating access requirements, confirming suitability for on-site sandblasting, and ensuring all works can be carried out safely without disrupting the surrounding environment.

The next critical stage is design and layout. Our experts at Globe carefully analysed the existing inscriptions to match the original font style, size, spacing and alignment for complete consistency. Detailed artwork proofs followed, and they incorporated service insignias. Great effort was made to ensure the accurate portrayal of each name before beginning any physical work on the wall.

Once the design proofs were approved, we produced precision-cut vinyl stencils and applied them directly to the granite surfaces. These stencils guide the engraving process, allowing for exact placement and consistency across all additions.

The walls were thoroughly prepared before the new inscriptions were sandblasted into the stone, using a technique that cuts cleanly into the surface to create a permanent finish.

We are proud of the finished result, which feels like a natural part of the original memorial, with each new name handled with the same care and craftsmanship. Huskisson RSL President, Executive staff and members of the public have expressed their appreciation and gratitude with the outcome and presentation of the Memorial. 

War Memorial Walls are physical reminders of lives that might otherwise be reduced to dates, ranks or tiny fragments of an extensive national history. They provide a permanent place in the public record and are a huge part of our shared heritage. That’s why year after year, we still gather around them as we show gratitude for these stories of loss, duty and family. It’s here that we pass those stories on to the next generation, too.

Projects like the Voyager Memorial Park engraving works reflect Globe Memorial’s experience and specialised expertise in commemorative spaces. We understand the importance of accuracy, craftsmanship and respect when working on structures of this significance.

If you require memorial wall works, whether for a new installation, additions, restoration or conservation, our team is equipped to deliver to the highest standard. We are trusted to carry out this work with care and to preserve the legacy of those who serve so selflessly.

Contact us today.