More than 60,000 Australians died during World War I (WWI), and the memorials erected during and after the conflict were an expression of national grief, serving as substitute graves for those buried overseas. The Beaudesert War Memorial is one of the more elaborate monuments in Queensland, with a soldier statue in an unusually relaxed stance. Located at an intersection at the centre of town, the Beaudesert War Memorial's foundation stone was laid by Mayoress HL McDonald in December 1919. The completed work was unveiled by Governor Sir Matthew Nathan on 28 September 1921. The sandstone memorial is set on a triangular site, and includes a soldier statue in front of an obelisk, plus two reclining lions nearby. The life-sized soldier stands completely at ease, complete with slung rifle, unbuttoned collar and a pipe. The number of enlistments from the district was above the state and national average. The names of 524 local men who enlisted, including 91 who died, are recorded on marble plates on the memorial. Additional plates have been added to the memorial, bearing the names of those who died in World War II. Plaques have also been added to commemorate the Malayan, Korean, Borneo and Vietnam conflicts.
