A STRIKING street art mural depicting the personal impact of war now has pride of place in Melbourne’s Hosier Lane. The mural commemorates the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium, 100 years ago, which was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.
Half a million men fell in 100 days for a gain of only eight kilometres of territory and 38,000 Australians were among those killed, wounded or missing.
The moving Passchendaele scene was created by renowned Melbourne street artist Adrian Doyle who wanted to broaden the scope away from the (traditional) soldier’s point of view, by showing the impact on families. Part of the mural depicts a woman at home, letter in hand, the pain clearly visible on her face.
VISITFLANDERS commissioned the artistic impression as part of its five-year commemoration program to remember the unique historical significance that the Great War had on this small region of Belgium from 1914-18.
A special Australian Commemoration Ceremony to mark the Centenary Anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele will be held in Flanders Fields at Polygon Wood on September 26.
This year the ceremony will be attended by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd).
