War Memorials and Honor Rolls in the Penrith District
The catalyst to provide honor rolls which listed local residents who had volunteered to serve overseas began early in the war. Faced with the appalling loss of life at Gallipoli and on the Western Front, many believed that formal recognition was necessary. Soldiers were to given public honour as fellow citizens as employees, worshippers and members of community organisations. Government departments and private companies, churches and schools, lodges and sporting clubs everywhere installed honour boards and in many places, put up more substantial monuments. Most committees raised money for the memorials as they had done for wartime funds, by appeals in the press, door-to-door canvassing, fetes and dances and any other device they could think of. Penrith, like many towns, faced a number of hurdles when erecting its public monument. There was disagreement among the community about the form of monument. Many returned soldiers were interested in the erection of a club house or hall for their use. Others wanted a monument that would publicly acknowledge the service of a large number of men from the Penrith District.
The number of Honor Rolls in the Penrith district reflected this desire to honour the dead and to commemorate those fortunate enough to survive the war. Many Honor Rolls were unveiled including: St Stephen’s Church, Penrith Methodist Church, St Nicholas of Myra Church , the Penrith Presbyterian Church, Jamisontown United Church and Lodge Nepean.
To assist researchers, the full name has been listed if known.
Castlereagh – Upper Castlereagh Public School
Jamisontown United Church (later Jamisontown Uniting Church)
Mt Druitt and Colyton – Waterholes Remembrance Garden
Mulgoa – St Thomas Church of England
Penrith – Masonic Hall – Loyal Alexander Lodge
Penrith – St Nicholas Catholic Church
Penrith – St Stephen’s Church of England
Penrith Superior Public School
St Marys – St Mary Magdalene Church of England