Gilgai Public School First World War Roll of Honor

About

The Gilgai Public School First World War Roll of Honor is a polished timber board, made of oak. It lists 63 ex-pupils of the school who served in the war. Their names are incised across three marble panels, which are inset into the timber. The board has has a classically designed pediment at the top, decorated with delicate paintings of the crossed Union Jack and Australian flags. It also features shelves at the top and bottom of the piece. Fundraising for the memorial began in mid-1917. The Inverell Times, 1 May 1917, reported a meeting was held on 28 April at Gilgai to discuss methods of collecting money. Donations were sought from residents and Messrs Seagrott were appointed as collectors. At that stage, about 15 pounds had been collected. A month later, the secretary, A.S. Pigott, advertised in the Times, 1 June 1917, for names of any member of the AIF who had attended the school. An invitation was also extended to family and friends of the soldiers to attend the unveiling on 8 June.  The memorial was constructed by Ben Wade, a highly skilled tradesman from Inverell, who had constructed many private and public buildings in Inverell and surrounding district. It was unveiled at the school by Mrs Woodford and Mrs Krairer, in front of a large audience. Mr Tonkin, President of the Bannockburn Shire, presided over the event, which included speeches and songs performed by the school children. The day also included a luncheon and a successful sports carnival (Inverell Times, 12 June 1917). The memorial is available for viewing upon arrangement with the school's principal.