by Brian Membrey Hostilities in the Great War ceased at 11 a.m. London time on Monday, 11 November, 1918, with the Armistice formally signed at 5.00 a.m. that morning. Although this is the hour (adjusted for time zone) celebrated ever since by a minute’s silence, rumours of a German surrender had circulated for two or […]
Tag: WW1
Anzac Stories from the St Andrews District
The following Anzac stories are from men who served in ‘The Great War ‘- World War 1 from 1914 to 1918. Some men grew up and attended local schools in the District of St Andrews, Shire of Eltham. Some men who enlisted, worked in the area, or were just passing, but they were willing to […]
Fly Specks on the Universe
By Paul Howard “Places like Panton Hill had been referred to by Mr Clement Wragge as fly-specks on the universe, and yet, from this little fly-speck, over 32 boys had volunteered and been accepted for active service.” 1916 ‘ RETURNED WOUNDED. SOLDIERS AT PANTON HILL.’, Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 – […]
Great Uncle Frank and the Great War
by Marian MacNally Private Francis Harrup Northey has garnered the sort of attention from my family that other relatives never could, as his real fate was never entirely certain. There were niceties that prevented us talking about him with his immediate family, and the fact that people who lived through the war years and grief […]
Tower of Rememberance
By Amy Shaw Just, a few more, steps, to go, almost, there! Wow, just look at the amazing views! These were the views you would see if you had the courage to climb the 52 steps to the top of the Kangaroo Ground Tower of Remembrance. It’s one of the most unusual war memorials in […]
“One of the Most reliable and Courageous Men”
by Jillian Durance Frederick George Starling was ‘best man’ at my grandparents’ wedding in October 1919. The wedding photo shows Fred Starling with just a glimmer of a smile on his face. A brave smile perhaps. I never knew Fred Starling, nor do I remember my grandfather Herbert Godber speaking of him, but then again, […]
Victoria Cross Estate
VC Estate history recognised City of Banyule – September 2015 The history of the VC Estate in Macleod West is finally being recognised, nearly 100 years after it was conceived, with the launch of new signage and the installation of a time capsule to be opened in 25 years. The Mayor of Banyule, Cr Craig […]
Pioneers of the Sky
By Jim Allen Not many people would be aware of two brothers who were possibly one of the greatest influences on the development of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The connection to the Eltham Shire is that one brother Ellis Charles Wackett, (1901 – 1984) is buried in Kangaroo Ground Cemetery. His nickname to […]
Rozell’s Last Journey
by Lilian Kwiatkowski Australia December 1916 On the other side of the world, another name was added to the list of lost Australian sons who would not be coming home. Rozell Newton Stevens was one of those boys. Christmas lunch at 119 Melbourne Road, Williamstown was a sad affair. Around the table, someone was missing. […]
Hurstbridge Lads
This postcard size studio portrait (cropped here) of Hurstbridge locals Stanley and Allan Verso was sent home to their family in March 1918. Both brothers had worked as orchardists on the family property Versdale in Boyd’s Road before enlisting in 1916. Both survived the war and were awarded the Victory Medal, the British War Medal […]