Opening of the new Australian War Memorial, London, 11 November 2003

Published

Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history.

Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history. The struggle was bitter, but by sheer persistence and dogged courage, the forces of aggression and tyranny were defeated. But the cost in human lives and misery was enormous.

That is why I am so pleased to join the Prime Minister of Australia in unveiling this magnificent memorial to the hundreds and thousands of Australians who fought and gave their lives in battles at sea, on land and in the air wherever the enemy was to be found.

A full record of their service and sacrifice is inscribed on this Memorial. It will stand as a permanent tribute to their partnership and sacrifice in a common cause. All who pass it will be reminded of the immense contribution made by Australians to final victory.

I hope it will also remind future generations of Australians, who come to visit London, that the support of their predecessors in those critical days will always be remembered here with respect and thankfulness.

Related content

A speech by The Queen at the Olympic Heads of Government Reception, 2012

I hope that you will enjoy your time in the United Kingdom, and I am sure that you will find a warm reception awaiting you, your athletes and the visiting spectators.

27 July 2012
Press release 05 June 2012

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Message

Read more
Press release 05 June 2012

Text of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Message

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the Armed Forces Muster, 2012

We are very proud of the selfless service, and sacrifices made by servicemen and women and their families in recent years.

19 May 2012

The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message, 2012

The Commonwealth offers a pathway for this greater understanding and the opportunity to expand upon our shared experiences in a wider world.

12 March 2012

A speech by The Queen to the Coldstream Guards, 2012

You are worthy successors to those soldiers of General Monck’s Regiment of Foot, who, in 1660, marched from Coldstream to restore law and order in the Capital.

03 March 2012
Press release 14 December 2011

Regional and overseas visits to mark the Diamond Jubilee

Read more

A speech by The Queen at The Big Aussie BBQ in Perth, 2011

You have endeared yourselves to the international Commonwealth community, showing them a State of professional excellence, generosity and goodwill.

29 October 2011

A speech by The Queen to open Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, 2011

This city is known for its optimism; this state is known for its opportunity and potential; and, this country is known for its warmth, openness and generosity.

28 October 2011

A speech by The Queen at the Rain Bank Storm Harvesting Centre, Brisbane, 2011

I have seen the fortitude, ingenuity, and determination of the people of Brisbane to overcome the setbacks of last January.

24 October 2011

A speech by The Queen at the Presentation of Colours, Royal Military College of Australia

The presentation of Colours is a special opportunity to recognise the past achievements, to give thanks for commitment and loyalty today, and to express confidence in the...

22 October 2011

A speech by The Queen at Parliament House in Canberra, 2011

Australia has flourished and achieved excellence on the world stage.

21 October 2011
Press release October 2011

Visit to Australia Programme

Read more
Press release 23 September 2011

Dates announced for The Queen's visit to Australia

Read more

A speech by The Queen to the Royal Regiment of Scotland, 2011

A fresh chapter has now opened with this presentation of new Colours to six of the seven battalions of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

02 July 2011
Press release 24 March 2011

Visit to Australia announcement

Read more

The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message, 2011

Let us all give a thought to the practical ways in which we, as individuals or as groups, can provide support to girls and women – so that everyone can have a chance of a...

14 March 2011
Press release 10 February 2011

Prince William appointed as Colonel of the Irish Guards

Read more
Press release 12 January 2011

Donation to the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal

Read more
Press release 10 August 2010

Donation to the Pakistan Floods Appeal

Read more
Press release 02 August 2010

Message of Condolence following the floods in Pakistan

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the United Nations General Assembly, 2010

In my lifetime, the United Nations has moved from being a high-minded aspiration to being a real force for common good.

06 July 2010
Press release 26 June 2010

The Queen's Armed Forces Day message

Read more

A speech by The Queen to 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, 2010

The Colours, that I am presenting to you this morning, represent the spirit of the Regiment, past and present.

11 May 2010

A speech by The Queen at the Sydney Opera House

It is my duty to seek to remain true to the interests of Australia and all Australians as we enter the twenty-first century.

20 March 2010
Press release 08 March 2010

The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message, 2010

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the South Africa State Banquet, 2010

South Africa and the United Kingdom have long been the closest of friends.

03 March 2010
Press release March 2010

South African State Visit, 2 to 5 March 2010

Read more
Press release 01 February 2010

Announcement of a State Visit from South Africa

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the opening of CHOGM, 2009

Our shared pledge to “the pursuit of peace, liberty and progress” that my father helped to enshrine in the London Declaration in 1949 means as much today as it did then.

27 November 2009

A speech by The Queen in Trinidad and Tobago, 2009

Prince Philip and I are delighted to be back in Trinidad and Tobago after more than twenty years, renewing our happy association with your country.

26 November 2009

A speech by The Queen in Bermuda, 2009

The United Kingdom will continue to follow and support Bermuda's progress to the very best of her ability

25 November 2009

A speech by The Queen at the Indian State Banquet, 2009

Relations between our two countries are built on strong and deep foundations, and are set fair for the 21st century.

27 October 2009

The Queen's broadcast to the Armed Forces, 1 July 2009

I greatly hope that the Elizabeth Cross will give further meaning to the nation’s debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our...

01 July 2009

A speech by The Queen on the 500th anniversary of Gentlemen at Arms

Your service to the Crown continues in a distinctive way and reinforces the very best values of those who came before you.

01 July 2009
Press release 27 June 2009

Armed Forces Day message

Read more
Press release 26 June 2009

Inbound State Visit from India announced

Read more

A speech by The Queen at RAF Cranwell, 2009

You can be justly proud of your achievements, as – I am sure – are your families and friends.

28 May 2009

A speech by The Queen to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, 2009

You have the greatest cause to be proud of your achievements.

06 May 2009

The Queen's Commonwealth Day message, 2009

We can rightly celebrate the fact that the founding members’ vision of the future has become a reality.

09 March 2009

A speech by The Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting dinner, 2009

I am delighted to welcome you all here this evening.

27 January 2009

Christmas Broadcast 2008

When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.

25 December 2008

A speech by The Queen at the '1914-1918 Vigil' at Canada House

Among the millions who lost their lives in the Great War were many Canadians who came to Europe to fight for peace.

04 November 2008
Press release 02 October 2008

New Royal Air Force honorary appointments

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the Presentation of new Colours to the RAF

I hand over my Colour with confidence that you will guard it well, just as you continue to guard your heritage, ethos and unique contribution to Defence.

11 July 2008

A speech by The Queen to The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, 2008

As a nation we maintain a deep and enduring gratitude for the selfless work undertaken by our Armed Forces, and to their families who endure so much.

26 June 2008