RAAF Ballarat immortalised online

Just boys: Edgar Brown and Edgar South play at the fountain at RAAF Ballarat. Both were killed in action so their names will be listed on the memorial pages of a new website dedicated to remembering service personnel. Photo: SUPPLIED

DURING World War II five thousand and twenty-five airmen trained as Wireless Air Gunners at Ballarat airport.

More than 1,100 were killed in action overseas.

Now the name and information of every WAG who trained at Ballarat will be recorded on a new website.

The Air Force Association Ballarat Branch is creating its 1wags memorial website with funding provided by the City of Ballarat’s Community Impact Grants Program.

Noel Hutchins, Air Force Association Ballarat Branch President said his branch is most grateful for the grant.

“This will ensure that the years of research work led by immediate past President, Dr Tom Roberts OAM, was not in vain,” Mr Hutchins said.

“As we continue to build the website, we welcome anyone who has information, stories or photographs about a relative who trained or was a trainer at No 1 WAGS Ballarat to contact our Association.

“It is important to have the information open and accessible to the public.”

The WAGs who died during the War will be listed on the website’s memorial page.

Ballarat web designer David Plunkett said the team at UBC Web Design is creating the website to be mobile phone friendly as well as accessible on laptops and tablets.

“The website will be an electronic resource with extensive information about the WAGs which will be available world-wide,” Mr Plunkett said.

For further information about the 1wags Ballarat website contact Noel Hutchins on 0439 929 322 or email [email protected].