Delungra First World War Roll of Honor

About

The Delungra First World War Roll of Honor consists of a decorative pressed bronze panel, attached to a timber backing board. It features the crossed Union Jack and Australian flags, branches with flowers, and stylised columns on either side. The names of 100 men from the area who enlisted in the war are inscribed on individual name plates, which are attached to the lower half of the panel. The memorial was made by the Wunderlich Company of Sydney, specialists in manufacturing pressed metal ceilings and tiles. They also created many honour rolls like this one, both during and after the war. They were available in a variety of sizes and Wunderlich changed their designs and styles over time. It is clear this example was made during the war, as the end date is given as '191'.  The dedication ceremony took place in the Delungra School of Arts on 24 November 1917. Local resident Mrs Mary McLeod, who had recently lost a son in the conflict, performed the unveiling of the roll, which at the time contained 97 names. The well-attended event was reported in The Inverell Times on 27 November.  On 18 January 1954, the Times reported the Delungra R.S.L. Memorial Club Room was to be opened shortly and this roll, and a new one for the Second World War, were to be transferred to the new club. Two months later, on 5 March, the paper reported the move had taken place. The club is now known as the  Delungra Memorial Bowling and Recreation Club. Access to view the memorials inside is restricted to the club's opening hours.