Ross Hill Public School First World War Honor Roll, Inverell

About

The memorial is a polished oak honour roll for the First World War. It has a simple design, but its size and architectural detail, including a large pediment and supporting columns on either side, give the board a striking and substantial appearance.  The board lists the names of 92 ex-pupils of the Ross Hill Public School who served in the war. Their names are painted neatly in gold across three columns on the centre panel. Nineteen are marked with a cross, indicating they died.  The memorial was designed by Mr H. A. Roberts and built by Mr S. H. Curry. The Thomas Bros. of Inverell did the polishing and engraving.  The unveiling was organised by the school's Parents' and Citizens' Association (P&C) and took place on 9 November 1916. An announcement for the event appeared in the Inverell Times on 31 October. It said: The school grounds will be illuminated, and the Austral Band will be in attendance. After the unveiling a concert will be given in the open air by local artists. There will be refreshments, fish ponds, and the usual methods of lightening the purse for patriotic purposes.  The Times described the ceremony in detail on 10 November. Mayor Alderman G. Ring presided and spoke at length of the value of the memorial. Reverend Johnson also addressed the audience. The unveiling itself was performed by Mrs R. Furze, wife of the president of the P&C. At the time, the board contained only 59 names, eight of whom had died. After the ceremony, a 'continental' meal was held on site. The board remains inside the school and access to it is restricted.

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