That we might live in peace

By Mary Schmidt

Fifty years ago, the Soldier-Teacher Memorial (pictured) was unveiled in the Federation Hall, at 166 Phillip Street, Sydney and dedicated to the memory of teachers from public schools who, in the words of the inscription on the plaque, "Served in war that we might live in peace". A Soldier Teachers' War Memorial Committee comprising representatives of the Department of Education, the Teachers Federation, and the Teachers Sub-Branch of the Returned Sailors' Soldiers' and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia (now RSL), worked to raise funds to set up memorials to the dead of both World Wars, at the Department of Education and in Federation House. Federation President Sam Lewis launched the appeal for funds in the issue of Education published July 20, 1949.

In 1953, Newcastle Technical College School of Art head teacher Paul Beadle was commissioned by Federation to produce the memorial plaque, which is carved in a large panel of Queensland maple.

The plaque was unveiled by the Deputy Director-General of Education and a veteran of World War 1, Norman Drummond, on November 19, 1955.

The plaque moved with the Federation to Sussex Street, and then to Mary Street, Surry Hills, where a re-dedication ceremony was held on April 18, 2000.

The Soldier-Teacher Memorial may be viewed in the entrance of the Federation Library, on the 1st floor, 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills.

Further details may be found in Tom Spencer's book, Soldier-Teacher War Memorials, which was jointly published by the NSW Department of Education and Training, Federation and the Teachers Sub-Branch of the RSL, in 2001. The book is available from the Federation Library.

I am indebted to the grandson of Norman Drummond, Robert Drummond, who reminded me of the approach of this significant anniversary.

Mary Schmidt is the Federation's Librarian.

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November 2005 contents