Quirindi and Werris Creek First World War Roll of Honor

About

The Quirindi and Werris Creek First World War Roll of Honor is a printed parchment, surrounded by a timber frame, inset with a glass pane. It lists the names of more than 400 veterans from the Quirindi and Werris Creek communities who served in the First World War. Their names are professionally printed across five columns in the centre of the page. As the names are in alphabetical order, it is likely this roll was created after the war ended.  The document is richly decorated with the Rising Sun emblem of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces, the British and Australian flags, and a descending dove with a sprig in its mouth. On either side of the names are two classical columns, wrapped in banners that list the names of various battles in which Australians served in during the war. At the base of each column is a female figure holding an outstretched wreath. Both women sit on pedestals. The left pedestal also includes the words 'Victory' and '1914' and the right pedestal has 'Freedom' and '1919'. While the origins of this particular roll are unknown, rolls of the same design can be found in many communities throughout NSW. The template design may have been the work of the Australian Commonwealth Government. Local war memorial committees were then able to use the design as a basis to print their local roll.  The roll is on display in the Quirindi Historical Cottage and Museum. Another copy of the same roll is located in the Australian Railways Journey Museum in Single Street, Werris Creek. In addition to the residential link between the two communities, it is noteworthy that there is also a link through employment with the NSW Railways system.  Note: the Werris Creek version of this roll is not listed on the NSW War Memorials Register.