Lismore South African War Memorial
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.
- NSW War Memorial Register https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/content/lismore-south-african-war-m…