A Werribee mother farewells her son as he embarks on an adventure to the other side of the world.
She will never see him again and will ultimately lose two other sons down the same route.
Similar tales were repeated around Australia – families forever shattered after losing sons, fathers, brothers and uncles to World War 1.
A century after Australian troops landed on the shores of Turkey at Gallipoli, a group of volunteers has focused on the stories of 60 local soldiers who died in the conflict and are remembered on the Werribee cenotaph.
Wyndham ANZAC commemorative committee member Margaret Markovic said the aim of the project was to personalise those 60 names and document the sacrifices the men made on behalf of their country.
The project will develop travelling story-boards detailing the life of each soldier. It will also develop a WW1 mural at Werribee RSL and an interactive and educational war commemoration for school students, featuring displays, tours and re-creations of life in the trenches.
Mrs Markovic said the stories of each of the soldiers, including the heartbreaking demise of the three Swanton brothers, had been researched by staff at Wyndham’s libraries.
“John Swanton was in the first wave of soldiers who landed at Gallipoli and was killed in May 1915,” she said.
“One of his brothers was married with a little girl and, after John was killed, he signed up and was killed on the Western Front, which is also where the other brother was killed.
“Telegrams would arrive announcing to mothers that their sons had been killed or injured in battle.
If they were injured, another telegram would often follow saying they had died of their wounds and their personal effects would be returned home.
“A death penny was sent to these families as a symbol of their son’s supreme sacrifice.
“Many men signed up for the adventure and to go overseas but also the financial benefits because they were paid 60 shillings a week compared to two shillings at home.”
Mrs Markovic said the committee needed about $15,000 for the project and was looking for support from sponsors.
“It’s important we all learn about our local military history and create more awareness of what these men went through,” she said.
“As well as moving around schools and the community, we want the soldier boards to be standing up alongside the crowd at the march on April 19 and the dawn service on Anzac Day.
“To have 60 fallen soldiers standing next to the crowd will make an impact and show that these men are more than just names.”
Can you help?
If you or your business would like to sponsor the project, phone Mrs Markovic on 0412 707 623.
