Bombardier Throsby T. Smyth-King Memorial Chair, Guyra

About

The memorial is a timber chancel chair dedicated to Bombardier Thomas Throsby King, who was killed in action in France during the First World War. The chair is of Glastonbury design, with three panels. It is made of cedar and has carvings of waratah flowers and leaves on its back and arms. Attached to the top of the chair is a plaque with the inscription, which gives King's name as Throsby T. Smyth-King.  The chair was gifted to St James Anglican Church, Guyra, by Mr G.H. Smyth-King and his family. It was dedicated by Reverend A.W. Coates during a service on 7 December 1919 (Guyra Argus, 11 December 1919).  The chair was made by returned servicemen at the Red Cross Industries in Sydney, NSW. Following the war, the Red Cross Industries trained returned servicemen in artisan skills. Their items were sold or made available to community groups to raise funds for the organisation.  Bombardier Thomas Throsby King was born in Guyra to George Hulton and Sarah Elizabeth Smyth-King. Aged 26 years, and a single farmer, he enlisted as a Private in the 6th Light Horse Regiment, 10th Reinforcement on 7 July 1915. He served in the 14th Field Artillery Brigade and on 30 April 1918 was awarded the Military Medal for service in action at Corbie in France. He was killed in action on 16 September 1918 at Peronne in France. The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 1918, published a Roll of Honour stating he was the youngest son of G.H.S. King, Highview Avenue, Neutral Bay, Sydney. Access to the memorial is restricted to the opening hours of the church. Also on site is the Lieutenant Gordon Frederick Nalder Memorial Chair.

Photos