MemorialsLieutenant Gordon Frederick Nalder Memorial Chair, Guyra
About
The memorial is a timber chancel chair dedicated to Lieutenant George (Gordon) Frederick Nalder, who was killed in action during the First World War. It is made of cedar, in the Glastonbury style. The back and arms of the chair are decorated with carvings of waratahs and leaves. Attached to the top of the chair is a large bronze plaque, inscribed with details of Nalder's war service and death. The chair was gifted by Nalder's mother to St James Anglican Church, Guyra, befitting his former role as a secretary and treasurer of the Guyra Parochial Council. It was unveiled on 20 August 1919 by church warden Mr J.B. Gilmour, who also had three sons who served (Guyra Argus, 21 August 1919). The chair was made by a returned soldier, who was employed by the Red Cross Industries in Sydney, NSW. As part of their employment, soldiers developed a number of skills in arts and crafts. The items they made were sold and some proceeds were donated to various community groups. This serviceman also made the St James Anglican Church Great War Roll of Honour, which is also located in the church. George Fred Nalder was born in Kempsey, NSW. As a 24 year-old, single dentist from Mosman, NSW, he enlisted as a Second Lieutenant in the 17th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement on 11 July 1915. His unit embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A54 Runic on 20 January 1916. As a Lieutenant in the 17th Battalion, he was killed in France on 3 May 1917. He is commemorated on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France. Access to the memorial is restricted to the opening hours of the church. Also on site is the Bombardier Throsby T. Smyth-King Memorial Chair.