sentence: the central granite column symbolises the '' remembrance '' ; the six flanking concrete columns symbolise the bow of ships with the bow-waves either side ; the plan symbolises the globe of the earth spinning on its axis ; the paving pattern of the dais represents the camouflage patterns used by merchant ships during world war i , while the red cross represent the hospital ship that were manned by merchant crew ; the concrete drums at each end of the north - south axis represent compass cards that symbolise navigation ; the flagpole is a nautical style with a yardarm and gaff .