WORLD War I started more than a century ago, but there are still many stories yet to be told of south-west Victorian soldiers who fought in the horrible conflict.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Peterborough amateur historian James Affleck has already helped research Warrnambool district soldiers in the book For King and Country. Now he’s busy on another publication listing those from rural areas to the north and west.
“There are 252 or thereabouts who were killed and more than a thousand who returned,” he told The Standard.
“I want to find photographs and stories of all those who died and would hope there may be families who have access to these for use in the book.
“Hopefully the book will be launched in April.”
Mr Affleck, a former Vietnam War conscript who served 10 months, said he had a passion for discovering information recognising the service of soldiers.
He has walked the Kokoda Track three times and visited many European war memorials and zones where Australian service men and women served.
“I love the research and talking to families,” he said.
“It’s amazing how many times people have said when their father was dying he opened up about war times.
“This project was inspired by the Koroit Historical Society after the discovery of World War I photographs hidden behind an honour board at the school.
“We’ll also be using pictures from a Byaduk honour board, which should be a national treasure.”
Mr Affleck’s register will include soldiers from the districts of Koroit, Mailors Flat, Winslow, Caramut, Penshurst, Byaduk, Macarthur, Codrington, Port Fairy and Koroit.
