RIFLES dating back to World War I and art made during the horror of trench warfare were among artefacts on display that gave special insight into one south-west town’s role in war last week.
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Cobden Historical Society and Cobden Primary School worked together to create an Anzac exhibition that illustrated the district’s contribution to war efforts from World War I to the first Gulf War.
Historical society secretary/treasurer Alma MacDonald said the one-day exhibition held on Friday was held as a thank-you for funding the town received to restore its war memorial and school honour board. The exhibition was also a chance for Cobden pupils to learn more about Australia’s war effort in the lead-up to the Anzac centenary. Mrs MacDonald said pupils hosted a talk at the civic hall, including a presentation on each of the Cobden soldiers killed in action whose names were on the town’s roll of honour.
Collector Callum Meade brought along two rifles dating from World War I. A customised 98-year-old Lee Enfield British rifle once carried by Australian troops was on show alongside a Gewehr 98 made in Germany in 1916 and also used by Turkish forces.
A half exploded shell, salt and pepper shakers made from bullet casings and trench art dating from World War I were among the items that created particular interest, Mrs MacDonald said.
