Millthorpe Public School First World War Honor Roll

The Millthorpe Public School First World War Honor Roll is a large, polished oak board, measuring eight feet by five feet. It contains the names of 78 ex-pupils, 3 ex-teachers and one nurse. Their names are printed in gold across three columns. Out of the group, 19 made the supreme sacrifice.   

At the top of the board is an ornately carved pediment, decorated with the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces' badge, gum leaves and branches. This carving was completed by returned soldiers in Randwick Hospital. Following the war, disabled soldiers were allocated Red Cross nurses in Sydney. The Red Cross Workshops worked with the soldiers to teach them skills in carpentry, leather and other craft work. Items, such as toys, were sold to supplement the solders' pension. Their work also included timber honour rolls and furniture, which incorporated carvings of Australian flora.

Planning for the roll dates to the Empire Day celebrations held at the Millthorpe School in May 1918. Reverend R.H. Kelly noticed there was no honour roll for the school and he proposed that one be erected. The motion was seconded by Dr Paton. In reply, headmaster Mr Sargeant said that while "they had recognised the matter ... he considered that the money would be better spent in assisting the boys in the trenches." In October, a meeting was held to discuss erection of the roll, which would contain the names of all the pupils from the school who had enlisted (Leader, 27 May 1918; 18 October 1918).

The roll was unveiled at the school on 19 July 1919. A series of events was held, starting on Friday, when the children were presented with Peace Medals and played football matches against neighbouring towns. On the Saturday, there was a picnic and sports at the school for the children. The unveiling ceremony commenced at 3pm, chaired by Mr Hayes. The band played the national anthem and Reverend Kelly addressed the gathering. The unveiling itself was performed by Mrs Caldwell. At 4pm, a banquet was held for returned soldiers in Frape's Hall. All 22 returned soldiers in the district were seated at the top table. The full programme was reported in detail in the Leader on 23 July. The article also listed the various donations to the Memorial Appeal and stated nearly 400 pounds had been promised. 

The memorial is now found in the Millthorpe Museum (also known as the Golden Memories Museum). It is available for viewing when the museum is open.