Elsmore First and Second World Wars Roll of Honor

This war memorial is an honour roll for the First and Second World Wars in the form of a cabinet. It is beautifully made of Queensland maple and features two Ionic-style columns and a decorative pediment. Within the pediment is a timber carving of a laurel wreath, topped with a bow and ribbons. 

The cabinet has two doors that open outwards, revealing the list of names printed elegantly in gold. The First World War names are printed on the middle panel and most of the Second World War names are printed on the inside of the doors. Five servicewomen from the Second World War are included at the bottom of the middle panel.  

The roll was made in Sydney and unveiled at the Elsmore School of Arts on 6 July 1918. The ceremony and a brief history of the project was reported in The Inverell Times shortly after on 9 July. Half the cost was raised by the community and the other half was covered by Mr Fred Penberthy, a surname that appears on the roll. Alderman J. F. O'Connor of the Inverell Council presided and the various speeches were given. Mrs Dodd, the mother of a soldier, performed the unveiling.

The School of Arts was sold and demolished in 1952. It was replaced with the Elsmore Memorial Hall, which was officially opened with a grand ball on 21 August 1953. At some stage prior, the Second World War names were added to the roll and it was re-unveiled by Ron Bucknell of Newstead Station on the night. 

The roll remains in the hall and is suspended above the stage. It is available to view during social functions held on site. Hanging on walls nearby are two timber photo frames, each displaying photographs of veterans of the wars, some of whom are named on the roll.