A Barcaldine branch of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia formed from April 1919 with P. Graham as chairman and C. Lord, Secretary. In 1921 the Shire Council opened a fund for a public memorial and a group of ladies led by Mrs. McKie took over the project.
On 21 May 1924, the sculptured clock monument of granite and marble was unveiled by the Governor, Sir Matthew Nathan. It was engraved with the names of service personnel, including 38 who had paid the supreme sacrifice. Later corner posts were installed to protect it from traffic and four clock faces were fitted, although they have proved notoriously unable to agree on the time.
After the second world war, membership of the R.S.L. became important for men in the town. Reverence for the heroes of World War I had grown so much that by Anzac Day 1931, 151 wreaths had been placed on the war memorial. It was especially illuminated for the occasion, and almost 1,000 people packed the Shire Hall for a public meeting.
In 1952, the Morning Bulletin reported that the proceeds from the Digger’s Race Meeting would go towards the RSL Memorial Hall Building Fund.
