Eltham District First World War Roll of Honor

About

The Eltham District First World War Roll of Honor is a large and elegant timber board, featuring a carved pediment at the top and two carved columns topped with urns. The pediment is decorated with colourful paintings of a Crown, representing the British Empire, and two crossed Australian flags. A blue scroll surrounds the words 'For Faith and Duty' and this is flanked by illustrations of wattle. The main body of the board is divided into three panels, which list the names of those who served. The base of the board is finished with more paintings of the Union Jack and scrollwork. The unveiling ceremony was held in the Jubilee Hall on Wednesday, 1 August 1917. The Northern Star (Lismore), 6 August 1917, described the event that was organised by the Volunteer Farewell Club. Mr Joseph Collings presided and accompanying him on the platform were Alderman McKenzie (Mayor of Lismore), Councillor Collings (Byron Shire), Mr S. McLean, Reverend MacIlwraith (Clunes), Sergeant Kennedy and Messrs Gumley and Geoffries (returned soldiers). Mr McLean spoke at length of the service of the young men who had served their country and then called on Mrs H. Claydon, mother of one of the soldiers who had fallen in France, to unveil the roll. The ceremony included a variety of speeches, as well as vocal and instrumental items performed by district residents. Special mention was made of Mr Collings who created the artistic work for the roll. The National Anthem concluded the function followed by light refreshments.