Display honours fallen soldiers

The 211 crosses at the square represent the local servicemen who did not return from World War I. Photo / Warren Buckland

Napier's Memorial Square has been transformed with a poignant display honouring local fallen soldiers ahead of this year's Gallipoli centenary commemorations.

Young members of the local Cadet Forces and Westshore Sea Scouts joined the RSA yesterday to lay out the Field of Remembrance at the square.

The 211 named crosses set out in the square each represent a Napier or Taradale serviceman who did not return from World War I.

Another visual tribute is scheduled to be added by Anzac Day with plans on track to have technology projecting images of wartime on to the square's cenotaph ahead of April 25.

The night-time projections will be part of a wider $268,000 Napier City Council lighting and audio-visual system being installed at the square, and neighbouring Clive Square to improve safety and attract visitors.

Napier RSA executive committee member Bob Jordan, who oversaw yesterday's Field of Remembrance lay-out, said the projection project would provide a unique and striking display that would help contribute to this year's significant Gallipoli commemorations.