Image right: Sketch of the new Strathfield War Memorial from the 1925 invitation. Courtesy Strathfield Local Studies
The Strathfield War Memorial was unveiled by the Governor Sir Dudley de Chair on Sunday afternoon, 11 October 1925. The decision had been made to build a memorial at a public meeting held in October 1919, chaired by the Mayor, Alderman Kessell.[1] ‘It was decided to erect a memorial to fallen soldiers from the district, in a form to be decided upon later.’
However, it took some time for that decision to be finalised. It wasn’t until the building of the town hall four years later that there was much progress. In June 1923 ‘a meeting of citizens resolved to open a subscription list to place a suitable war memorial in the hall which the council is erecting. The Mayor of Strathfield (Ald Willis) or the secretary of the Strathfield Progress Association, will receive subscriptions.’[2]
The very first ball to be held in the new Strathfield Town Hall was in aid of funds for the Strathfield War Memorial. The successful ball was organised by the Mayoress, Mrs Wallis and Mrs Beale.[3]
By February 1924, advertisements had been placed in the newspapers asking residents and their families to visit the council chambers to inspect the honour roll and advise of any changes required to the list of names compiled. The lists were to close on 29 February 1924.[4] These lists had been made during the war as soldiers enlisted or were killed, updated by family members. From a hand-written ledger, a wooden honour board served as a temporary memorial until a lasting memorial could be built and dedicated after the war.
Strathfield's World War I Honour Board. Courtesy Australian War Memorial
The Strathfield Council minutes of 19 February 1924 also note that the removal of a drinking fountain and palm trees would be required for the building of the memorial outside the council chambers.
‘After many meetings to consider the various designs submitted for the proposed memorial, the Strathfield War Memorial Committee has accepted that of Messrs. Wilson, Neave, and Berry. Their design provides for bronze sphere, representing the world, surmounting a trachyte pedestal.’[5]
The total cost of the memorial was about £1100.[6]
