Graham Street School Honour Board

An article in the Standard under the headline “Answered Country’s Call – Roll of Honor – Graham Street State School Old Boys” published on 6 November 1915 lists 61 names, Graham Street pupils who had enlisted for the Great War.

The piece concludes by asking parents or friends of other “old boys” who have enlisted to send the soldiers’ names, rank, dates of birth and, if known, the branch of the service and their regimental numbers to Mrs Banton, Correspondent of the School Committee or Colonel McShane, the Headmaster.

Subsequently on 8 January 1916, the Standard reports that at the ceremony closing the school for 1915, an honour board was unveiled.   Visitors included Mrs A Tucker, Mayoress, Mrs O Sinclair, Mrs Samson, Rev P J Masters, Mr Freame and ex-Cr E F Russell.  As well as the usual addresses, prizes and certificates were presented to those students who had gained honours including Master G Black who received a gold medal, a gift from Mr O Sinclair MLA, for being dux of the school.

The honour board remains in the re-named Port Melbourne Primary School building today, close to the main door for all entering the school to see.  The simple board, titled “Roll of Honour – For King & Empire – Graham St School”, lists 93 names with a further six names on an adjoining board giving a total of 99 “old boys”.

PMHPS would like to acknowledge Peter Martin, Principal, and the staff of Port Melbourne Primary School for arranging for the Society to photograph the honour board.

References:

1915 ‘ANSWERED COUNTRY’S CALL.’, Port Melbourne Standard (Vic. : 1914 – 1920), 6 November, p. 4. , viewed 15 Jan 2019, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91168176

1916 ‘Graham-street School.’, Port Melbourne Standard (Vic. : 1914 – 1920), 8 January, p. 2. , viewed 15 Jan 2019, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91167113