The Southern Cross has been incorporated into the design of the New Zealand Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, in the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington. Crosses on the side of the tomb represent the warrior’s fallen companions as well as the stars in the sky. The four bright stars of the Southern Cross, which guided the warrior back to New Zealand, are represented by the inlaid crosses on the bronze lid. This photograph was taken at the laying to rest ceremony.
Listen to Nigel Williams singing ‘The boys of the Southern Cross’, a popular song of New Zealand soldiers during the South African War.
Lyrics
With three cheers for the Empire loud;
And for the Queen,-Hurray!
We'll stick tight in our saddles, boys,
To drive the foe away;
When once again our land shall loom
And Kruger is no more,
Welcome we our native home-
And fair New Zealand's shore. For-We are the boys of the Southern Cross
Our stars shine on our flags-
Emblazoned with the Union Jack,
To show we're Empire lads.
Using this item
Manatū Taonga – Ministry for Culture and Heritage
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.