Carrs Creek School and District First World War Honor Roll

About

The Carrs Creek School and District First World War Honor Roll is a dark oak board, decorated with intricate carvings of flowers, columns, and the Rising Sun military emblem. The names of 38 ex-pupils and locals are printed on the board in gold lettering.  The board was carved by a returned soldier at the Red Cross hospital in Sydney. This hospital was established following the Great War, to assist disabled soldiers suffering from mental or physical health issues. There were also workshops on site, to help soldiers adjust to civilian life. Each soldier was allocated a Red Cross nurse and, in order to increase their income, a number of these soldiers created furniture and timber honour rolls for sale to various community groups. The board was ready by late 1917, and was put on display at the War Chest Depot in Prince Street, Grafton (Daily Examiner, 19 December 1917). The unveiling ceremony took place on 6 March 1918. A detailed report was published in the Daily Examiner on 8 March. Many district residents attended the ceremony, held in the Carrs Creek School House. Lieutenant Inman, recruiting officer for the district, presided, and speeches were given by Mr A.A. Zuill, M.L.A. and Mr W.T. Fraser, Inspector of Schools. The unveiling was performed by Mrs Crowther and Mrs Chapman. The former had two sons at the front, one of whom was killed, and the latter lost her only son on the battlefield. As part of the ceremony, returned soldiers and ex-pupils Sergeant Kirk and Private Baker unveiled a clock, which was a gift from a resident. The inscription on an oak tablet to be placed on the clock read: "This clock is to commemorate the valor of former pupils of this school who enlisted in the great European war. Erected by the residents." Carrs Creek Public School opened in September 1877 and closed in December 1964. At some stage, the roll was moved to the Schaefer House History Museum at Grafton, also known as the Clarence River Historical Society. The memorial is available for viewing during opening hours.