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Valla First World War Roll of Honour

Valla First World War Roll of Honour
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Valla First World War Roll of Honour
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Description / Background

The memorial is a decorative paper honour roll for the First World War. It is mounted in a timber frame behind glass. The top of the page features delicate illustrations of the Australian Imperial Force emblem and the crossed flags of Britain and Australia. The years of the war and title of the roll are highlighted by colourful banners and the dedication is in calligraphy-style script. The names of 32 veterans are printed across three columns, on a background resembling a parchment.

The roll was unveiled at the Valla Public Hall on 16 August 1916. The trustees of the hall had given their consent to the roll being placed on the walls of the only pubic building in the neighbourhood. The Nambucca and Bellinger News, 18 August 1916, reported on the unveiling saying, "the roll has been artistically arranged and neatly framed." Their account also listed the names on the memorial to the name A. Riley, listing 22 names in all.

The ceremony was chaired by Mr A.P. Sullivan and Mr A.G. Henderson was Secretary. In the absence of the Shire President, Richard McCarthy, Councillor R.J. Bear unveiled the roll and also made appropriate remarks. Addresses were also delivered by special guests including Messrs. W. Steele, A.J. Martin and H.B. Dollermore. Among those present were visitors from Bowraville and Nambucca Heads. A dance was held at the conclusion of the ceremony. 

On 11 January 1918, the Nambucca News reported that the roll was steadily being added to. The list appears to have been complete by 1920, as an article in the Nambucca News on 2 April quoted the inscription from the roll and printed the final 32 names, along with one more name that does not appear on the finished roll. The article is about the final welcome home function for returning soldiers that was held in the hall in late March. 

Some of the veterans listed on this roll also appear on the Valla Public School First World War Honor Roll and the Valla Grand United Order of Oddfellows First World War Roll of Honour

Access to the memorial is restricted to the opening hours of the Valla Public Hall. 

Inscription

1914 1916

1915 1917

Valla

Roll of Honour

The public of Valla, deeply conscious of the heroism of its boys,

who at the call of duty nobly volunteered their services to their King and

country to fight in the cause of humanity and freedom against German

barbarism, we hereby place on record with utmost admiration and pride the

names of its glorious soldier boys.

[Names]

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 W Griffin First World War, 1914–18 3531 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view
Private E Hales First World War, 1914–18 907 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view
Private H Hales First World War, 1914–18 6924 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view
Private J Henderson First World War, 1914–18 51114 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view
H Humphreys First World War, 1914–18 view
Private A Mackney First World War, 1914–18 1171 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view
Private A J Mohr First World War, 1914–18 1801 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view
Private J O'Donnell First World War, 1914–18 3643 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view
Private J J O'Donnell First World War, 1914–18 58 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view
Private C Peterkin First World War, 1914–18 51166 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view

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Sidebar
Address
Valla Public Hall
451 Valla Road
Valla NSW 2448
Local Government Area
Nambucca Shire
Setting
Building – inside
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Board/roll/plaque/tablet
Recorded by
Graham Wilson
Year of construction
1916
Dedication date
16 August 1916
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Materials
Glass
Paper
Timber