MemorialsPryor Brothers Memorial Windows, Tamworth
About
The left and right stained glass windows in this group of three are dedicated to the Pryor brothers, First World War servicemen from Winton, via Tamworth, who died during the war. Each window measures 8 feet high by 2 feet, six inches wide. They have matching designs, which incorporate geometric and floral elements, created using coloured glass in vivid reds, greens, pinks, and yellows. The window for Private Walter Pryor is on the left and the window for Lance Corporal Robert Oliver Pryor is on the right. Both designs include two sets of text. In the middle of each is an inscription and at the bottom of each is the dedication to that brother. The windows are located in Tamworth City Uniting Church, formerly Tamworth Methodist. They were donated by the brothers' mother, Mrs. R. Pryor. They were designed and made by Sydney artist Mr W. Couldrey, who also made the central window in the group at the same time. That window, and its accompanying honour roll, is listed separately on the NSW War Memorials Register as the Tamworth Methodist Church Great War Memorial Window and Honour Roll. All three windows were dedicated on 10 August 1919 by Captain Chaplain William Mills Robson, formerly of Tamworth, who had enlisted two years earlier. The occasion was reported in detail in the Daily Observer the following day. Also on site is the Methodist Church Tamworth Circuit First World War Roll of Honor, a set of two timber boards that were dedicated in the same ceremony. The Pryor brothers are listed on the second board. Access inside the church to view the memorials is restricted to its opening hours. Notes about the veterans: Robert Oliver Pryor was a single farmer from Winton. Aged 30 years, he enlisted in the 33rd Battalion, C Company on 14 February 1916. His unit embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A 74 Marathon on 5 May 1916. As a Lance Corporal, he died of disease on 10 November 1918 and was buried in the Melcombe Regis Cemetery, Dorset. Walter Pryor was a single farmer from Winton. Aged 19 years, he enlisted with his older brother on the same date, in the same unit. As a Private in the 33rd Battalion, he was killed in action on 8 February 1917 and was buried in the Cite Bonjean Miltary Cemetery, Armentieres, France.