Wingham M.U.I.O.O.F. Loyal Lodge No. 375 First World War Honour Roll

About

The memorial is a large and distinctively carved cedar honour roll. It features a carved timber wreath at the top, surrounded by the inscription. Within the main section of the board is a rising sun, highlighted in gold paint. Either side of this are the British and Australian flags, painted in full colour. On the left-hand side of the board is a carving of a female figure, possibly representing Australia or a goddess of war. She is pointing to a carved scroll on her right, where the names of those who served in the First World War from the Wingham Lodge of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (M.U.I.O.O.F.) are painted in gold. The bottom right-hand corner of the board is also decorated with carved waratahs and flannel flowers. The roll was designed by Mrs W.G. Hawkins of Wingham, who was noted for her abilities as a carver and designer of war memorials. She also carved the Upper Manning Church First World War Honour Roll, located at the Wingham Presbyterian Church.  The memorial was unveiled on 9 August 1920 by Brother G.C. O'Brien at the Oddfellows Hall during a concert. On 10 August 1920, The Wingham Chronicle described the concert and the unveiling of the roll in detail. The report also listed the names on the memorial, including those who served and were in camp, all of whom were members of the Wingham Lodge. A little over a year earlier, on 9 May 1919, the Chronicle also featured an article in which the Lodge secretary called for donations from members, to make a suitable presentation to the soldier members. The roll is now located in the Wingham Museum, also known as the Manning Valley Historical Society Museum. Access to the memorial is restricted to the opening hours of the museum.