Collections Spotlight: World War I Rolls of Honour

Mantle Road Infants School:

Written on paper and mounted on a wooden board, the names of 54 former pupils of this school who served and died in the war are listed in red ink, with dates and locations where known. Below these are 237 names of those who survived their service, written in black ink, and organised by regiment. One of these individuals, Reg Langschmidt, appears on another roll of honour that we have, commissioned by his employer. Although it has suffered some damage, this roll of honour is now preserved in a safe and stable environment.

Portland Shoe Company:

Painted on wood, this roll of honour includes the names of 114 employees, including the previously mentioned R. Langschmidt. Red crosses appear beside the names of those who lost their lives, and gold lines appear beside those who were wounded. Recipients of military honours such as the Military Medal and the French Croix de Guerre, are identified with the initials of their award or a gold cross. Additionally, female staff members who served as nurses with the Voluntary Aid Detachment (V.A.D.) are commemorated here. This includes Miss B. Watkins who is also identified as being mentioned in dispatches.

Leicester Co-operative Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Society:

This ornately carved wooden memorial honours workers from Leicester’s longest-standing co-partnership factory. Six names at the top are carved larger than the others, identifying those who lost their lives during the war. Below these are the names of 39 society members who served and survived. The final list of names features the committee members of 1918, who would have commissioned this roll of honour to commemorate their colleagues.