Codrington Public School and District First World War Roll of Honor

About

The memorial is an honor roll for the First World War, made from polished red bean timber. It has carved columns on the either side and a distinctive carved pediment at the top. The pediment is decorated with colour illustrations of the Union Jack and Australian flags, flanking the earliest version of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. In the centre of the board are the names, which are printed in gold across a table with six columns. The first, third, and fifth columns list the names of those who served, and the second, fourth, and sixth columns record 'Remarks' about the corresponding soldier, such as if they were killed in action or returned wounded. Those listed in the first and third columns were ex-pupils of the former Codrington Public School and those in the fifth column were district volunteers. The board is finished with a simple base piece, inscribed with the words 'For God & Empire'.  The roll was made by Brown and Jolly of Lismore, NSW, a noted cabinetry and furniture making company. In its original form, it had a protective glass front. The unveiling took place at the school on Wednesday, 24 July 1918. The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser, 26 July 1918, described the roll and ceremony in detail and published the list of names. The event took the form of a picnic on the school grounds in the morning, followed by the ceremony in the afternoon. Many attended from Coraki and the surrounding district, including numerous returned soldiers. Mr J.P. Steven officiated as chairman and Mrs Chrissie Baillie performed the unveiling. There was a number of speakers but the main speech was given by Captain C.J. McRae.  The Codrington Public School opened in April 1872 and closed in December 1978. It has also been closed and re-opened on a number of occasions. The roll has since been moved to the Mid-Richmond Historical Society Museum, also known as the Coraki Museum. Access to it is restricted to the opening hours of the museum.