Tregeagle and Chilcott's Grass District First World War Honor Roll

This war memorial is an honor roll for the First World War. It consists of four distinct elements and is made of three materials. The backing board is rosewood and features carved top and base pieces. In the centre of the board is a grey marble shield, inscribed with the names of 54 men from Tregeagle and Chilcott's Grass who served in the war. At the top of the shield is a decorative metal scroll, flanked by the Union Jack and Australian Red Ensign. The flags are enameled and painted in full colour. Below the names is a second metal piece, in the shape of a laurel garland. In its centre is a plaque inscribed with the dedication. 

Planning for an honor roll for the district was underway by mid-1916. A public meeting was held in the Tregeagle Hall on 24 August to discuss the matter. A large number of locals attended and an initial £30 was raised (Northern Star, 29 August 1916).

Over the coming months, the roll was designed by F. Wicks and Co., a jewellry company in Lismore. Miss Drewe assisted with the manufacture, by carving the patterns for the flags and scrolls. The casting of the metal elements was done at the local foundry, with the assistance of J. F. O. Flynn. The timber backing board with crafted by cabinet makers Brown and Jolly, also of Lismore. 

A further meeting was held on 12 March 1917 to consider preparations for the unveiling (Northern Star, 7 March 1917). The event took place at the hall on 21 March, in front of a large crowd. A detailed account of the evening was published in the Northern Star on 26 March. District resident Mr C. Anstey, who lost a son in the war, performed the unveiling. In July, the roll was temporarily put on display at Wicks' shop in Lismore, before returning to the hall (Northern Star, 27 July 1917).

Based on a photograph and description published in the Sydney Mail on 1 August 1917, we can see the original roll differs in several ways from the version currently located in the hall. The original shield was made of cast brass, not marble. It was topped by a small sculpture of a cannon, which was supported by the three brackets that are still attached to the current board. The names were inscribed on 46 individual copper name plates and attached to the lower part of the shield, rather than incised into its surface. The timber backing board, 'flags and scroll' plaque, and 'garland and dedication' plaque are visible in the photo, suggesting they are original elements that were incorporated into the newer design or accurate recreations. Research has not shown why or when the roll was modified.

The roll hangs on a wall inside the Tregeagle Hall, alongside the Tregeagle and Chilcott's Grass District Second World War Honor Roll. The hall is used for commemorative services throughout the year. Access inside is restricted to its opening hours.