Court Clarence Lodge No. 434 First World War Roll of Honour, Grafton

About

The memorial is a polished timber honour roll which commemorates members of the Clarence Lodge of the Order of Royal Foresters (Court Clarence Lodge No 434) who served in the First World War.  The board has a carved curved pediment at the top, with an additional timber centrepiece on which the letters A. I. F. (Australian Imperial Force) are painted vertically in gold. A carved timber column frames each side of the board, and a horizontal column shelf sits at the bottom. The centre of the pediment features the emblem of the Order of Royal Foresters together with the Australian flag and Union Jack. A gold painted banner sits below the emblem with the name of the Lodge in black lettering. The names and fate of 15 veterans are listed alphabetically in gold on a black scroll down the centre of the honour roll.  The honour roll was unveiled at the Royal Foresters Hall on 2 October 1919. The event combined the memorial unveiling with a welcome home celebration for returned soldiers. The ceremony was presided over by Bro. C McGrath, Chief Ranger, who invited Mrs and Mrs Cromack, the parents of the late Private Charles Cromack, Croix de Guerre, to perform the unveiling. A musical and vocal programme with dancing and refreshments followed (Daily Examiner, 3 October 1919). The honour roll was later moved to the Schaeffer House Museum where it can be viewed during opening hours.