2020 marks 75 years since the end of the Second World War. To commemorate this important year, the NSW Government interviewed WWII veterans about their experiences. Read our 75th Anniversary Stories.
A paper roll of honour for the First World War, in the form of an illuminated address. The roll appears to have been professionally printed. It is decorated with colour illustrations of the flags of allied countries associated with the war. In the centre, towards the top of the page, is the Australian flag and the Latin phrase 'Non sibi sed patriae' which means 'Not for self but for country'. In the centre of the page is a black and white photograph of Mrs Dean, the "Railway Employees'" candidate for the Glen Innes "Queen of the Allies' Contest" (The Inverell Times, 30 May 1916). Her portrait is surrounded by a blue frame and scroll patterns. The scrolls divide the page into five sections and each section is filled with the roll of honour names.
It is unclear where the roll was located in July 1916, at the end of the contest. Considering the association with the railway, it may have been located in the Glen Innes Railway Station at one stage. It is now located in the Land of the Beardies History House Museum and Research Centre at Glen Innes, with other honour rolls. Access to the memorial is restricted to the opening hours of the museum.
On 3 August 1916 The Glen Innes Examiner reported on the contest in detail:
For the past eight weeks celebrations in aid of the Returned Wounded Soldiers' Fund, in which was included the election of Queen of the Day, have been the chief topic of interest.
Four queens, including Mrs Dean, were entered; votes were recorded and money was donated. The results were published earlier that week in The Inverell Times on 1 August 1916, following the close of polling on 31 July. The article stated:
The final figures were: Miss Kittie Williams, Red Cross, 78,170; Miss McGregor, Light Horse, 64,154; Mrs Dean, Railway, 58,520 and Mrs White, Friendly Societies, 39,560. The total money from the competition was £3008.
GLEN INNES DISTRICT
ROLL of HONOUR
Non sibi sed patriae
[Names]
[Portrait]
Railway Candidate
Queen Competition
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