The site, which was once part of the playground of Upper Junction School — destroyed by fire in 1945 — hosts memorial plinths for 17 former pupils killed in World War 1.
Vested in Dunedin RSA for many years, the memorial site had become neglected and overgrown, until the newly formed Otago Military Historical Group took it in hand about a year ago.
Working alongside the Upper Junction site’s neighbours and volunteers, the group has transformed the site, highlighting the memorials once more, and researching the history of the fallen men.
Dunedin RSA president and group member Lox Kellas said the 17 memorial plinths had been placed at Upper Junction School in 1919 — mainly by the families of the fallen.
"After a lot of work by volunteers and the neighbours, these memorials are now visible once more — so people can come to the site, walk around and look at them," Mr Kellas said.
Some have been shifted to form two rows of plinths, and a fence is under construction at the site, which will eventually hold images and information about each fallen soldier.
Otago Military Historical Group chairwoman Christine George said it had been a fascinating process researching the soldiers for the planned A3-size information panels.
"We have found enough information on most of them to be able to provide biographical information on who they were, who they served with, where they died and where they are buried," Ms George said.
The restoration of war memorials around Dunedin and New Zealand has been a focus in recent years for the nationally-led NZ Remembrance Army, and the Otago Military Historical Group was formed in order to press ahead with research into the lives and experiences of those who served in war.
"We have been putting a lot of time and effort into the historical side of Dunedin’s military history, helping with research into the historic gun emplacements around the city and other sites."
Ms George said the Upper Junction project had been supported with funds and materials by the Otago Officers Club, Bunnings, North Dunedin Rotary, the NZ Remembrance Army, Dunedin RSA, and the Dunedin Amenities Society.
Once the work is completed, a dedication ceremony will be held at the site, hopefully in early 2021.
Mr Kellas said the Dunedin RSA was grateful to have support with restoring and researching the history of memorials and military sites around the city.
"Otherwise, these sites could just fade from memory," he said.
