Lower Southgate Public School First World War Roll of Honour

The Lower Southgate Public School First World War Roll of Honour is a timber board, made of Queensland maple, cedar and rosewood. The board is decorated with a carving of the Australian coat of arms and the crossed Australian flag and Union Jack, which are painted in full colour. The names of 21 ex-pupils from the school who enlisted in the war are printed down the centre of the board in gold lettering. 

The board was made by Mr J. Sheppard, a teacher at the school, who received many congratulatory remarks on his fine workmanship. It was unveiled on site on 20 April 1918. The chairperson for the event was Mr Cowling and Reverend Robbins offered the opening prayer. The unveiling itself was performed by Mrs Doust, wife of the Copmanhurst Shire President. Two members of the Doust family, W.H. and R. Doust, died in the war.

Following the unveiling, Mr Sheppard read the names inscribed on the board and the gathering sang 'God Bless our Splendid Men'. Speeches were given by official guests Mr Zuill and Councillor Doust. Returned soldier Signaller Inman also spoke of his experiences and praised the work of the Red Cross Society, Soldiers' Helpers League, Salvation Army and the YMCA. Throughout the service, the children sang patriotic songs and the attendees joined in for the National Anthem. The function finished with a luncheon (Daily Examiner, 25 April 1918).



The Lower Southgate Public School opened in November 1870 and closed in April 1947. The memorial is now located in the Schaeffer House Museum in Grafton. It is available for viewing when the museum is open to the public.