King George V Memorial, Canberra

The King George V Memorial, situated near Old Parliament House, is a significant tribute to the leadership of King George V during World War I. Erected in 1953, the memorial's creation was delayed from its original commission in 1936 due to the disruptions of the Second World War. Initially placed directly in front of Parliament House, the memorial was later relocated in 1968 to its current position, which was preferred by the sculptor Raynor Hoff and designer Harry Foskett.

The memorial features a prominent bronze statue of King George V, flanked by a granite pylon. On the opposite side of the pylon stands a stone statue of Saint George, symbolizing the king's role in leading Britain through the First World War. The base of the memorial is adorned with medallions representing key figures of the era: a nurse, a soldier, an airman, and a sailor, all of whom embody the wartime contributions of various service members.

Additionally, the memorial reflects historical ties with Australia through depictions of George V and his wife as they appeared during their visit to Australia in 1901, alongside key figures of the Australian Federation such as Henry Parkes, Samuel Griffith, and Edmund Barton. The imperial crown further connects the memorial to the broader context of the British Empire and its influence on Australian history.