MemorialsPaterson Great War Soldiers' Memorial
About
The memorial is a stepped stone pillar with some parts highly polished. An honour roll of names is inscribed on the sides of the pillar. Inset on the lower section of the front face is a marble tablet with a relief of a wreath and two crossed rifles. The pillar sits on a raised platform of three steps. The memorial was manufactured by J J Edstein and Sons. A meeting was held on 24 June 1920 in the School of Arts, Paterson, (Maitland Daily Mercury, 21 June 1920) to discuss the Soldiers' Memorial. Lady collectors were organised to collect money from promised subscribers. In February 1921 a meeting was held to consider a site, with further meetings held during the year to raise funds. The unveiling ceremony took place on 13 August 1922 with a crowd of 500 in attendance and music provided by the Maitland Federal Band. Mr Henry Corner, president of the Soldiers' Memorial Committee presided and attendees included church representatives, Walter Bennett MLA, and local government representatives. Mr William Keppie,was asked to unveil the monument. His son, Private Arthur E Keppie, was the first to enlist from the district and the first from the district to die on 26 April 1915 at Gallipoli. The Maitland Weekly Mercury, 19 August 1922 described the event in detail and listed the names inscribed on the memorial and the list of subscribers. The surrounds of the monument have been upgraded to commemorate the men and women of the district who served in all conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The upgrading, which was unveiled in 2006, includes a brick structure behind the memorial containing the Second World War honour roll.