Australia’s involvement in World War One began on 4 August 1914. Sadly, many of these soldiers, sailors, airmen, medical support staff and nurses didn’t make it home. Their courage, sacrifice, hardship and losses brought a new maturity to our nation. In the face of atrocity and adversary, this publication recounts some of the survival stories of the men who enlisted and ultimately returned home.
The impact of World War One on Australia’s economy was significant. At that time, the majority of exports from Australia were wool, wheat and minerals. Exporters were deprived of shipping services and they found it difficult to receive payments for their goods.
For Australia, the World War One remains the costliest conflict in terms of deaths and casualties. From a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted, of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 were wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner. Another 6000 veterans died by the 1930s due to war related injuries and suicide.
Soldiers in this book fought in the Palestine and Gaza Campaigns of the war. The ANZAC Mounted Division which included members of the 1, the 4 ,8, 9, 11 and the 12 Australian Light Horse Regiment. Some of whom were Lancers from Parramatta.
Please read the book by clicking on the link: Survival Stories
Neera Sahni, Research Services Leader & Anne Tsang, Research Assistant, Parramatta Heritage Centre, City of Parramatta, 2019