Lance Corporal Erle Henderson First World War Memorial Plaque

The memorial is a marble plaque dedicated to the memory of Lance Corporal Erle Henderson who was killed in action in the First World War at Passchendaele on 4 October 1917. The plaque is rectangular with extended corners, each containing a floral decoration. The dedication together with details of Lance Corporal Henderson's age, military service and date of death are inscribed in black lettering on the plaque. 

The plaque was dedicated and unveiled at the church on 7 September 1919 by Mrs Henderson, Erle's mother. A large congregation presented on the day for the unveiling of Erle's plaque and a second, in memory of his brother Nigel who was killed in a riding accident. The plaques had been presented to the church by their father, Mr Cunningham Henderson (The Richmond River Express and Casino Kyogle Advertiser, 9 September 1919).

Erle was born at Camp Station near Casino. As a single man he enlisted as a Private in the 25th Battalion, 19th Reinforcement, aged 33. As a Lance Corporal in the 25th Battalion he was killed in action on 4 October 1917 at Zonnebeke, Belgium and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Belgium.

The memorial plaque is now located at St John's Uniting Church, Coraki, and is available for viewing when the church is open to the public for services. Erle's name also appears on the timber honour roll at the church.