The grandest of Sydney's World War I memorials is also one of the last, only finished as tensions again brewed in Europe, threatening another war to come. It wasn't until 14 years after the debacle at Gallipoli that the Anzac War Memorial design by C Bruce Dellit was chosen in a competition, and it took another 5 years to build, finally opening in November 1934. Part of the reason for that delay is that Hyde Park itself was in flux, with huge excavations, redesigns and replanting following the construction of Sydney's underground railway loop during the 1920s and early 1930s. The memorial is still imposing, with its beautiful sculptures by Rayner Hoff, and the quiet contemplative space within. While the ceremonies of Anzac Day centre on the Cenotaph in Martin Place, built in 1926-28, the Anzac War Memorial dominates the southern end of Hyde Park, and remains a potent reminder of the losses of war. Sydney's suburbs have many World War I memorials.  One of the earliest was unveiled in 1916, in Balmain, while the war was still raging, within a year of the battle at Gallipoli.

It initially showed the names of the local men who died in the Dardanelles campaign, but has since received the names of Balmain soldiers from every other war. It has evolved, as Anzac Day itself has evolved, into a commemoration of  Australian soldiers killed in all of Australia's military engagements. Next Wednesday's Anzac Day ceremonies continue nearly a century of tradition in Sydney. The Dawn Service, at 4.15 am, is held at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. The Anzac Day March starts at 9 am on the corner of Pitt Street and Martin Place, and moves, via Pitt Street, Martin Place, George and Bathurst streets, to Elizabeth Street, and the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, where a Commemorative Service will be held at 12.30 pm. There's also a Sunset Service Ceremony at 5 pm at the Cenotaph, back in Martin Place.