Lismore South African War Memorial

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The South African War Memorial, located near the Lismore Memorial Pool, commemorates those from Lismore and District who served in the South African (Boer) War in 1899-1902. The structure stands twenty feet high with a life-sized figure of a NSW Lancer in khaki uniform. The figure itself is made of hammered copper and is mounted on a base of marble with a freestone base above the pedestal. The monument was designed by architect F J Board and sculptor M Jones.

The Brisbane Courier on 2 October 1902 described the unveiling of the 'district patriotic memorial'. That day, the mayor revealed that 'over 200 men for the Richmond River took part in the South African War, many of whom went with the Queensland contingents'.

The monument was once located at the corner of Woodlark and Keen Streets. It was at the meeting of the Lismore Municipal Council held in January 1927 that Ald. Stratford raised the possibility of moving the monument. No action was taken and it was in March 1937 that the mayor Ald. S.J. Hosie reported that the monument, now in a state of disrepair, was dismantled and removed from its position. It was placed in its new position in Memorial Park on Saturday 20 March that same year.

INSCRIPTION

Front inscription:

Erected by

the people of the Richmond River

to commemorate the part taken

in the

South African War

by the citizen soldiers

of the district

Hostilities began 10th October 1899

Peace proclaimed 2nd June 1902

Gloria Fortibus

 

Second panel:

Branches of the service

represented at the front

 

53 N.S.W. Lancers

13 Scottish Rifles

5 Reservists

76 civilians

Names of all combatants from the

(with particulars of service)

district appear on a scroll in the Town Hall.

 

Rear inscription:

Engagements in which our

soldiers distinguished themselves

Belmont

Crasspan

Modder River

Magersfontein

Arundel

Relief of Kimberley

Paardeberg

Driefontein

Bloemfontein

Doornkop

Diamond Hills

Barberton

Ermelo

 

Fourth panel:

Heroes who gave their lives

for the Empire

[list of names]

 

Other panels:

M. JONES

SCULPTOR

Wm. LOCKETT

MAYOR

Octr. 1st 1902.

Sources:

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