Armidale First World War Roll of Honor

About

The Armidale First World War Roll of Honor is a printed parchment placed behind glass within a wooden frame. It lists the names of 797 men from the Armidale district who enlisted to serve during the First World War. Their names are listed in six vertical columns. As the names are listed in alphabetical order and the roll features the end date of 1919, this roll of honor was clearly produced after the war had ended. The document is printed in full colour. The top of the roll is decorated with the Rising Sun emblem of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces, the Australian and Union Jack flags and a descending dove with a sprig in its mouth. On either side of the names are two classical columns, each have banners wrapped around them listing the names of various battles in which Australians served during the war. At the base of each column is a female figure holding an outstretched wreath. Both women sit on pedestals. The left pedestal includes the Words 'Victory;' and '1914' and the right pedestal has 'Freedom' and '1919'. Near the bottom of the roll is the Australian Coat of Arms.  White the origins of this particular design are unknown, rolls with the same basic design can be found in many communities throughout N.S.W.  The original template design these were based off was likely developed by the Australian Commonwealth Government. This example was professionally printed by Tippers Printing Company which was established in 1861 at Maitland in the Hunter Valley. Whilst it is unknown where this roll of honor was originally unveiled, it is now located in the University of New England Archives and Heritage Centre in Armidale.