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Pryor Brothers Memorial Windows, Tamworth

Pryor Brothers Memorial Windows, Tamworth
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Pryor Brothers Memorial Windows, Tamworth
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Pryor Brothers Memorial Windows, Tamworth, close-up of window for Lance Corporal Robert Oliver Pryor
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Pryor Brothers Memorial Windows, Tamworth, close-up of inscription in Lance Corporal Robert Oliver Pryor's window
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Pryor Brothers Memorial Windows, Tamworth, close-up of window for Private Walter Pryor
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Tamworth Methodist Church Great War Memorial Window and Honour Roll
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Description / Background

The left and right stained glass windows in this group of three are dedicated to the Pryor brothers, First World War servicemen from Winton, via Tamworth, who died during the war. Each window measures 8 feet high by 2 feet, six inches wide. They have matching designs, which incorporate geometric and floral elements, created using coloured glass in vivid reds, greens, pinks, and yellows. 

The window for Private Walter Pryor is on the left and the window for Lance Corporal Robert Oliver Pryor is on the right. Both designs include two sets of text. In the middle of each is an inscription and at the bottom of each is the dedication to that brother. 

The windows are located in Tamworth City Uniting Church, formerly Tamworth Methodist. They were donated by the brothers' mother, Mrs. R. Pryor. They were designed and made by Sydney artist Mr W. Couldrey, who also made the central window in the group at the same time. That window, and its accompanying honour roll, is listed separately on the NSW War Memorials Register as the Tamworth Methodist Church Great War Memorial Window and Honour Roll

All three windows were dedicated on 10 August 1919 by Captain Chaplain William Mills Robson, formerly of Tamworth, who had enlisted two years earlier. The occasion was reported in detail in the Daily Observer the following day.

Also on site is the Methodist Church Tamworth Circuit First World War Roll of Honor, a set of two timber boards that were dedicated in the same ceremony. The Pryor brothers are listed on the second board. 

Access inside the church to view the memorials is restricted to its opening hours. 

Notes about the veterans:

  • Robert Oliver Pryor was a single farmer from Winton. Aged 30 years, he enlisted in the 33rd Battalion, C Company on 14 February 1916. His unit embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A 74 Marathon on 5 May 1916. As a Lance Corporal, he died of disease on 10 November 1918 and was buried in the Melcombe Regis Cemetery, Dorset.
  • Walter Pryor was a single farmer from Winton. Aged 19 years, he enlisted with his older brother on the same date, in the same unit. As a Private in the 33rd Battalion, he was killed in action on 8 February 1917 and was buried in the Cite Bonjean Miltary Cemetery, Armentieres, France.
Inscription

Left window

I have fought the good fight

In memory of Private Walter Pryor

Klled in action in France, 8th Feb., 1917

Erected by his loving mother

Right window 

I have kept the faith

In memory of Lance-Corporal R. Oliver Pryor

Died in England on 10th Novbr 1918

Erected by his loving mother

Veterans listed on this memorial

Veterans listed on this memorial

Last held rank Given name Family name Conflict/s Service No. Service Campaign Read more
Private Walter Pryor First World War, 1914–18 937 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) Somme 1916 - 1917 view
Lance Corporal Robert Oliver Pryor First World War, 1914–18 936 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) Somme 1916 - 1917 view

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Address
Tamworth City Uniting Church
144 Marius Street
Tamworth NSW 2340
Local Government Area
Tamworth Regional Council
Setting
Building – inside
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Stained glass window
Recorded by
Graham Wilson
Year of construction
1919
Dedication date
10 August 1919
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Materials
Glass