Hughie's back

The statue of former WA Governor and Second World War air force hero Sir Hughie Edwards has returned to Fremantle’s Kings Square.

The life-size bronze statue was temporarily removed from the square, which is soon to be renamed Walyalup Koort, in November to allow for the construction of the new port city themed play space.

It was returned to a prominent location in the square this morning, a few metres from where it was originally positioned.

Fremantle Deputy Mayor Andrew Sullivan said the new location was chosen in consultation with the Edwards family.

“Hughie Edwards was the most highly decorated Australian of the Second World War, and the statue was unveiled in 2002 to honour not only his bravery during the war but also his service as Governor of Western Australia,” Cr Sullivan said.

“The statue was removed so it wouldn’t be damaged during the construction of the play space, and now it’s great to have Hughie back.

“The statue has been placed in a more prominent position and aligned differently so it’s now better integrated into the landscape and a really important feature of the square.

“It will remain a fitting tribute to one of Fremantle’s favourite sons for generations to come.” 

Fremantle-born Air Vice Marshal Hughie Idwal Edwards was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1941 for leading a daring daylight bombing raid against the German port of Bremen.

He was born in Fremantle on 1 August 1914 and was educated at White Gum Valley State School and Fremantle Boys’ School before he was forced to leave school at age 14.

After working in a shipping agents office, horse racing stable and a factory he joined the army in 1934 and was accepted as a cadet in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1935.

On 4 July 1941, as commanding officer of the Royal Air Force No. 105 Squadron, Edwards led a daylight attack against the port of Bremen, one of the most heavily defended towns in Germany.

Edwards' force of 12 Bristol Blenheim bombers attacked at a height of about 50 feet through telephone wires and high voltage power lines.

The bombers successfully penetrated fierce anti-aircraft fire and a dense balloon barrage, but further fire over the port itself resulted in the loss of four of the attacking force. Edwards brought his remaining aircraft safely back, although all suffered damage and his own Blenheim had been hit over 20 times.

Edwards was appointed Governor of Western Australia on 7 January 1974 but ill health forced him to resign his vice-regal appointment on 2 April 1975.

The life-size bronze statue of him was unveiled by then Governor of Western Australia John Sanderson in November 2002.

It was sculpted by local artist Andrew Kay.