Come-by-Chance Second World War Roll of Honor

The memorial is a decorative roll of honor tablet, dedicated to those from the small village of Come-by-Chance who served in the Second World War. The tablet features a detailed architectural design of a neo-classical temple, with a ceiling and floor of black and white tessellated tiles. The background of the tablet is dark red, in stark contrast to the white of the temple. 

On top of the temple are the Australian and British Union Jack flags, depicted in blue, white, and red. In between the flags is a scene showing an aeroplane flying over a coastal area, with a tank on the ground below, and a ship anchored at sea. This may represent the three services branches: the Royal Australian Air Force, the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Navy.  

Filling the centre of the temple is a scroll hanging from a rod. The scroll is inscribed with the names of 26 veterans, with one identified by the rank of Sister. The names are listed in two columns and five are marked with a Maltese cross, indicating they were killed during the war.

The roll is similar in style to the Come-by-Chance First World War Roll of Honor, made by stonemason M.W. Hardy of Narrabi, NSW. As this roll is unsigned, it cannot be confirmed as a Hardy without further information. 

The memorial is located inside the Come-by-Chance Hall, which was established in 1895. The village is located south-east of Walgett, NSW. 

Do you know more about this war memorial? Learn how you can contribute to the NSW War Memorials Register.