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Upper Castlereagh First World War Memorial

Upper Castlereagh First World War Memorial
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Description / Background

This war memorial is a polished stone obelisk, featuring an inscribed dedication and honour roll. The obelisk is set on a larger, stepped-stone base and has plaques attached. It is located at the site of the Upper Castlereagh School, which was opened as a public school in March 1879 and closed in December 1975.

On 11 March 1922, a meeting of the Honour Roll Committee was held at the school to arrange the unveiling of the monument. As reported in the Nepean Times, 18 March 1922 a suggestion was made that the event take place on Anzac Day. Another meeting would be held on 25 March to make final arrangements. 

Despite these plans, the memorial was not unveiled. Four years later the Nepean Times, 20 November 1926, reported it had been decided not to unveil the monument until the whole of the debt has been paid off. The ladies of Castlereagh took action to plan a concert and dance to be held in the Council Chambers on 4 December to raise the necessary funds. 

The unveiling finally took place on Empire Day in May 1929 at the school, organised by the Parents and Citizens' Association (P&C). Some 65 pupils and 45 parents gathered for the occasion, along with local clergy. Mr Charles Carter presided and the children performed patriotic songs and recitations. Reverend James Barr spoke of loyalty to the Empire and then Empire medals were presented to 12 families. Races were held and a prize was presented to each child by the P&C. After tea, the assembly moved to the monument where addresses were given by the chairman of the P&C, Mr W.E. Lance, and Mr J. Jackson M.L.A. Returned solider Mr Joe Carter unveiled the memorial and the National Anthem was sung, led by Reverend D.C. Hughes. 

Inscription

Erected in honor of
the above Residents who enlisted
from Castlereagh Upper
for Active Service in the Great War
1914 - 1918.

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
F H Ahmelham WW1 view
G Ahmelham WW1 view
F Carter WW1 view
J Carter WW1 view
E W Denniss WW1 view
J J F Emery WW1 view
B C Field WW1 view
E G Field WW1 view
A Griffiths WW1 view
E K Lance WW1 view

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Sidebar
Address
280a Old Castlereagh Road
Castlereagh NSW 2749
Local Government Area
Penrith, City of
Setting
Building – outside
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Obelisk
Recorded by
Jonathan Auld. Graham Wilson.
Year of construction
1922
Dedication date
24 May 1929
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18