Torquay’s soldiers remembered in commemorative booklet

THE Torquay and District Historical Society is very close to completing a project that will detail in print all those from the area who served in World War I.

The society received $3,000 from the federal government’s Armistice Centenary Grants Program to support the publication of the booklet, which contains all of the 88 soldiers known to have served in the war and has reached mock-up stage.

The booklet will also contain a selection of photographs, and, when complete, will be distributed free of charge to the descendants of the servicemen as well as local schools, Probus Clubs and RSLs, and to the public (on request).

Of the 88 soldiers from the Torquay district, 23 were killed in action and eight received medals for bravery.

Torquay and District Historical Society president David Marshall said the booklet included those who had served from Torquay, Connewarre, Mt Dunned, Freshwater Creek and Bellbrae.

“It’s amazing to think in 1914 that we had enough people around in little Freshwater Creek for people to sign up.

“This booklet is the culmination of five years’ work of our society to find out the names of our diggers, and all their details.

“It is very important that our community receive copies of this book, particularly our schoolchildren, so that they understand the significance of World War I on Australia.”

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson met with the society at their museum in Price Street last week to discuss the project.

“The Armistice Grants are so important because what it allows the federal government to do is work with local community groups, RSLs and historical societies to commemorate this most significant part of our history,” she said.

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046.