Our guest speaker, James Affleck OAM, was introduced by Duncan Stalker. James was born in Warrnambool. He was a farmer at Hawkesdale before coming an amateur historian and Peterborough resident. He is also a Vietnam veteran. He co-authored a number of books and was involved in the compilation of several books outlining military service of past students at several schools.
James has been immersed in the sadness of World War 1 for 18 months as he painstakingly researched the lives of almost 1400 men who enlisted in what was to become the bloodiest conflict in history. "Some of the stories I have uncovered would break a wooden heart," he reflected.
His Stories Untold and Faces Forgotten entails 680 pages of profiles, photographs, letters and other snippets of life when Australia gave more than its fair share of sacrifice for King and Country. It is the only comprehensive account of Great War enlistments from Koroit, Port Fairy, Macarthur, Penshurst, Woolsthorpe and surrounding districts. The research lists 250 men who died in the conflict and about 110 who returned.
The project was sparked by the discovery of "hidden" photographs of men listed on an honour board at Koroit and District Primary School. This prompted Koroit and District Historical 'society to enlist his services in delving deeper.
About $12,000 in funding was sourced from the Jones Foundation philanthropic trust, Moyne Shire and the federal government.
One of the saddest stories uncovered was Allansford-born John Thomas Hart, who enlisted in 1917 at Port Fairy aged 35 . He was killed a year later while serving with the 21st Battalion in France. His wife Elizabeth had died in 1916, leaving their seven children, all under seven years of age. Her brother John Blair Edwards of Hawkesdale, was killed in action in Belgium in October 1917, so Private Hart's oldest surviving next of kin was his 10 year old son, who was sent his father's last effects.
Stories Untold and Faces Forgotten will be available at the Hawkesdale and Warrnambool war memorials on ANZAC Day and can be ordered by mail through the Koroit and District Historical Society, PO Box 118, Koroit. Warrnambool Books also has a small number. Cost is $60.
Guest Michael Bellamy, who is leading the Commemoration Committee arranging ANZAC Day, spoke to Rotarians about what is involved in arranging such a large event, in particular the 100th Anniversary, something which the Warrnambool Community can be proud of. He stated that ANZAC day was a day of "reflection and remembrance" and NOT a celebration. Michael outlined the program for this year which will have two Vietnam Veterans as key note speakers. The Dawn Service will include firing of the cannons, followed by a march to the Cenotaph. This year the dawn service will be televised on a big screen at Cannon Hill. To mark the ANZAC Centenary, approximately 5000 "ANZAC Day Programs" have been printed and will be given to those who attend the services in Warrnambool.
A very sought after bottle of Dr. Jurd's Jungle Juice had been unearthed and was auctioned by Ron Rauert. Ron was very persuasive regarding the medicinal benefits to be had by partaking of of this elixir and the bids flew thick and fast with John Stuckey taking away the prize for $30. Looking forward to a report on the benefits next week John!
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