Great Western Honour Roll Print Page

The honour roll commemorates those who served in World War One. 

One of the biggest patriotic gatherings that has ever taken place at Great Western was that which was held there on Saturday evening last. The hall, which was prettily decorated, was crowded to its utmost capacity, many not being able to gain admittance. Mr Arthur Headdey occupied the chair, and included amongst those on the platform were Mr R. F. Toutcher, M.L.A., Mr T. J. Gossip (the Mayor of Ararat), three returned Anzacs, a number of returned soldiers. and Corporal Bissett, of Ararat, who only recently returned from the front. Proceedings were opened with the singing of the National Anthem. The chairman having made a few introductory remarks, during which he referred to the pleasure it gave all to see such a large gathering present to take part in the welcome home to Anzacs and the unveiling of an honor roll, said they had with them Mr Toutcher, the member for the district, and Mr Gossip, the Mayor of Ararat, who would address them.

Mr Toutcher said it was a privilege  for him to accept the invitation which had been sent to him to be presentt that evening to welcome home the Anzacs, and to unveil the honor roll which had been placed in that hall. He knew that the little district of Great Western and its surroundings had sent a good number of men to the war, and it was regretful to say that some of them would never return again, having made the supreme sacrifice. There was, however, some satisfaction in knowing that they died fighting for their country, and that they had added great lustre to their names for the deeds of daring which they had performed on the battlefields.

He noticed that one of the soldiers on the platform had lost a leg, and to him the sympathy of all went out. Mayor Gossip said that as a member of of the council in a town so close to Great Western, he thought it was his duty to be present on such a memorable occasion, for he always tried to be present when Anzacs were being welcomed back to their homes. He thought that the welcome they were giving their boys that evening was a fine one, but as he had told them in Ararat, he hoped that they, as time wore on, would not be neglectful, but that they would see that the boys were properly repatriated, and placed upon the land. The returned Anzacs were Messrs Fisher, Harris and Coleman.

Mr Toutcher then unveiled a beautiful oak honour roll, containing the names of some thirty district soldiers. He said the roll had inscribed on it names of soldiers who would never return, while he was informed that on the other hand it was not complete, for other names had to be added to it. He congratulated the people of the district on the good work they had done for the boys. A musical programme was gone through during the evening, and after refreshments had been partaken of, a dance followed, when a most enjoyable time was spent.
Ararat Advertiser (Vic), 3 December 1918.

Location

Details

Dedication