Oakwood and Cherry Tree Hill First World War Honour Roll, Inverell (Destroyed)

Note: This honour roll no longer exists. It was destroyed by white ants. Only the centre section with the names has survived. 

Former description

This war memorial is an elaborate timber honour roll for veterans from the Oakwood and Cherry Tree Hill communities who served in the First World War. It is in the form of a cabinet, with two glass doors on the front, which protect the name panels inside. There are 66 names inscribed on the roll, and those who fell in the war are marked with a star. 

The memorial was expertly crafted from Richmond cedar and pine. Attached to the top of the cabinet are two semi-circular boards, flanked by decorative timber scrolls. The smaller semi-circle resembles the Rising Sun emblem of the Australian Imperial Force. It sits on top of the larger semi-circle, which includes the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. 

The cabinet was made by Mr A. Smale of Dinton Vale. He later made a matching cabinet, which is listed separately on the NSW War Memorials Register as the Oakwood and Cherry Tree Hill Second World War and Vietnam War Honour Roll.  

The memorial was unveiled at the Oakwood Public Hall on 22 March 1919. The well-attended event was reported in detail in The Inverell Times on 25 March. Mrs Palmer, who had six sons who enlisted, performed the unveiling, removing the flags that were draped over the cabinet. 

In time, the hall and the roll were moved to the Inverell Pioneer Village. The roll was put on display in the Oakwood Hall Great War Memorial Extensions. It is no longer available for viewing due to extensive white ant damage.