Robert Douglas Griffith Memorial

About

This war memorial is an illustrated document set within a timber frame. It was presented by the Bellingen Shire Council on 15 March 1920 in recognition of the sacrifice of (Robert) Douglas Griffith in the First World War.  Griffith was born in Bellingen and enlisted on 17 January 1916 as a 19-year-old in the 4th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement. As a private in the 56th Battalion, he died of wounds on 4 November 1916. He was buried in the Heilly Station Cemetery at Meruicourt-L-Abbe in France. His parents were R. and Ross Griffith of Gleniffer, near Bellingen. The document was created by Cecil G. Smith and printed by D.W. Paterson Co. Pty. Ltd. of Macdonnell House, Pitt Street, Sydney. At the top is the Rising Sun military emblem for the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. Below is a photograph of Griffith in civilian clothes. On either side of the photograph are two columns listing the names of the allies; Latin crosses; two grieving females, one weeping with a wreath in one hand and the other carrying a crown; and the emblem of the R.S.I.L.L.A.  It is not known where the presentation took place, but it is possible it was during a public event involving Griffith's parents, the Council and district residents. The memorial is now located in the Bellingen Museum.  Note: the memorial lists his surname as Griffiths.