MemorialsSt Mark's Church of England First and Second World Wars Roll of Honour, Islington
About
This memorial is a timber roll of honour for attendees of St Mark's Church of England in Islington, NSW, who served in the First and Second World Wars. It stands approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and is 3 feet 3 inches (1 metre) wide. It features two carved columns on the sides, which are topped with decorative capitals. When photographed by Ed Tonks in 1985, as shown in image 2 above, the memorial was inscribed with the names of 137 veterans, painted in gold across five columns. This included 69 who served in the First World War and 68 who served in the Second World War. The three centre columns were painted on the three timber panels that comprised the middle section of the board. The names on the furthest left- and right-hand sides were painted on the carved columns. The board was scheduled to be unveiled at the church on 17 September 1916 (Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 16 September 1916). According to newspaper reports in 1934 and 1938, the roll remained on site and was a focal point during Anzac Day services (Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 26 April 1934; 26 April 1938). After, and perhaps during, the Second World War, the additional 68 names would have been added to the roll. In the late 1980–90s, the roll was removed from display and placed in storage at the church. At some later stage, it was sold and considered missing. Around 2019, it was purchased at a Newcastle garage sale by historian Greg Rays. The timber components had been considerably damaged and the Second World War names painted on the carved columns had been removed or worn off. Some of the original dedications were also missing, leaving only 'For King & Empire' at the top. The original and current dedications are both transcribed in the Inscription section below. The roll has since been returned to the church, now known as St Mark's Anglican Church, and restoration work is planned. Access to the memorial is restricted to the opening hours of the church. Note: historical information about this memorial has been sourced from Greg and Sylvia Ray's Phototimetunnel website.