Coolamon National Service Memorial

The Coolamon National Service Memorial consists of a tall granite tablet, supported by two metal posts. The top of the tablet features the emblems of the RSL, the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal Australian Air Force. 

The body of the tablet contains the names of all known National Servicemen from the district, and includes two who served in Vietnam. There are 43 names in total, listed in alphabetical order. 

The memorial was instigated by the Coolamon RSL sub-Branch, to acknowledge the contribution of community members who participated in the National Service Scheme between 1951 and 1972. It was produced in 2020 by B & R K Doyle, professional stone masons located in Crookwell, NSW. The design of the memorial was chosen to reflect the adjacent Coolamon and District Boer War Memorial. Funding was received from a Saluting Their Service grant. 

The memorial was unveiled on Anzac Day, 25 April 2021 by the Mayor of Coolamon Shire, Councillor John Seymour, OAM. Image 2 above shows former National Servicemen Ray Foley; Chris Fairweather; Mel Mayer, OAM; Greg Guthrie; Clyde Godde; Errol Sutherland; and Tom Morwitch (in wheelchair) beside the memorial on the day.

The memorial is located next to the Coolamon Cenotaph, which is the focal point for all commemorations in Coolamon, including Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.  

Information about the history of the National Service Scheme is available on the Australian War Memorial website.