|
The top floor of the Museum is dedicated to the memory of fallen soldiers and is known as the World War I Sanctuary.
The spectacular stained glass lead light ceiling directly above the entrance foyer shows the Coat of Arms of all British Dominions and Colonies during World War I. From the north east corner clockwise they are: (east wall) Gibraltar, Kenya, South Africa and New Foundland; (south wall) Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia; (west wall) India, Ceylon, Malaya and the Straits Settlements; and (north wall) Channel Islands, Fiji, Jamaica and Malta. Remember to use the compass on the entrance foyer floor to get your bearings!
Underneath the skylight are golden badges of the units, regiments and corps in which Aucklanders served. British badges acknowledge the Aucklanders who joined British units.
On the wall opposite the altar is a world map showing the principal engagements of the war. At the foot and the top of the maps are the Coats of Arms of British Dominions and Colonies and of the Allied Nations.
The altar in the World War I Hall of Memories shrine was designed by Richard Gross. Bronze poppies and a wreath of karaka leaves (a Maori symbol for peace) surround a bronze tripod. The inscription reads Kia Mate Toa, meaning `be strong in death. The bronze sculpture sits on a dais of blue Belgian marble (a black marble veined with white). Symbolising remembrance, pots of rosemary have been placed around the altar.
The flags around the shrine represent the Allied Nations who signed the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
Aucklands World War One Roll of Honour is inscribed on the walls of the Museum, a memorial to commemorate the fallen. |
