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Robert Douglas Griffith Memorial

Robert Douglas Griffith Memorial
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Robert Douglas Griffith Memorial
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Description / Background

This war memorial is an illustrated document set within a timber frame. It was presented by the Bellingen Shire Council on 15 March 1920 in recognition of the sacrifice of (Robert) Douglas Griffith in the First World War. 

Griffith was born in Bellingen and enlisted on 17 January 1916 as a 19-year-old in the 4th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement. As a private in the 56th Battalion, he died of wounds on 4 November 1916. He was buried in the Heilly Station Cemetery at Meruicourt-L-Abbe in France. His parents were R. and Ross Griffith of Gleniffer, near Bellingen.

The document was created by Cecil G. Smith and printed by D.W. Paterson Co. Pty. Ltd. of Macdonnell House, Pitt Street, Sydney. At the top is the Rising Sun military emblem for the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. Below is a photograph of Griffith in civilian clothes. On either side of the photograph are two columns listing the names of the allies; Latin crosses; two grieving females, one weeping with a wreath in one hand and the other carrying a crown; and the emblem of the R.S.I.L.L.A. 

It is not known where the presentation took place, but it is possible it was during a public event involving Griffith's parents, the Council and district residents. The memorial is now located in the Bellingen Museum. 

Note: the memorial lists his surname as Griffiths.

Inscription

IN THE GREAT WAR FOR NATIONAL FREEDOM

AUSTRALAN COMMONWEATH MILITARY FORCES

The Allies: Great Britain, France, Belgium, Russia, U.S. America, Italy, Serbia, Montenegro, Rumania, Portugal, Greece, Japan, China, Brazil, Cuba, Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Hayti, Liberia.

Greater love hath no man that this
that a man gives up his life for his friends.

HE DIED FOR HOME AND COUNTRY

A memorial of the gallant services voluntarily rendered for liberty and justice by Douglas Griffiths in the Great War, 1914-1919. Presented by the Council of Bellingen Shire in grateful recognition of the sacrifices he made for the maintenance of a righteous cause. Dated 15 March 1929. 

[Name] President [Name] Shire Clerk

Cecil G. Smith, Desr
D.W. Paterson Co. Pty. Ltd. Macdonell House, Pitt St. Sydney

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 Robert Douglas Griffith First World War, 1914–18 5100 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) Somme 1916 - 1917 view

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Address
Bellingen Museum
33-39 Hyde Street
Bellingen NSW 2454
Local Government Area
Bellingen Shire
Setting
Building – inside
Location status
Moved/altered
Memorial type
Board/roll/plaque/tablet
Recorded by
Graham Wilson
Year of construction
1920
Dedication date
15 March 1920
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Materials
Paper