After a careful relocation process, the Illawarra Remembers 1914-1918 online archive is once more live!
In 2014, to mark the centenary of World War I, members of the public were invited to share images and stories to create this long-term digital archive. Through a series of highly successful 'scan and share' days, this community project accumulated an extensive collection of photos, journals and local history material documenting people of the Illawarra area from 1914-1918.
World War I, or The Great War as it was first titled, inflicted unprecedented loss and suffering on both Australia and the world at large. 400,000 Australians enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, more than 330,000 served overseas and over 60,000 Australians lost their lives on battle fronts such as Gallipoli, the Middle East and the Western Front.
"In the face of great loss, it's important to preserve what we can—to preserve these records and details about people, ordinary people who all did their part against terrible odds. Not just to commemorate their service and sacrifices, but to remember the stories and details of their individual lives," said Juliet Beale, Local Studies Service Team Leader.
A joint project with NSW Government, Library Council of NSW, Kiama Library, Shellharbour City Libraries, Illawarra Family History Group, and University of Wollongong the site is now under the care and management of Wollongong City Libraries.
Illawarra Remembers has 2,355 records of information and stories from men and woman from the Illawarra, and features names and profiles of those who served, War Memorials and Honour Rolls, photographs, postcards from the front, diaries and links to other online memorials and guides.
Juliet described it as a living archive, with members of the public encouraged to continue adding to this record. "It takes a community to assemble this kind of collective memory, to find these old photos and letters and bring them out into the light. These details matter, and we thank everyone who contributed"
You can visit the Illawarra Remembers website here .
If you have a story to share, you can contact us via this enquiry form .
Read on for some highlights of the collection:
At the end of the first world war 1918 the Austinmer residents began to raise funds to construct a memorial for all of those who served and those who had died in service. Raffles were run and some donations were made, and a total of 245 pounds was raised, thanks to the efforts. Mrs. Coffey, Mrs. Lett, Mrs. Cheadle were but a few of the residents all related to our service men killed in actions. The names on the memorial are those from the surrounding towns south to Bulli and north to Coledale.
James Fenwick was court martialled after a rowdy night in Cairo, but the sentence was remitted only for him to be returned to the Western Front where, in 1917, he was wounded and died soon after. His brother Robert served for one year from 1915 – 1916 and was killed at Fromelles. James was survived by his young wife. Their mother Barbara Fenwick lost two sons and her husband during the war. A devastating story of how one family suffered so much loss during the war.
Ernest Donald Gow was one of the first men from the Illawarra to die in World War I. He was also one of the first men from the Illawarra to die in World War I, suffering double pneumonia at the Mena Hospital in Cairo on February 3, 1915. His passing along with three others, who also died of pneumonia, was reported in newspapers across Australia.
An extract from the Illawarra Mercury 12 February, 1915 reads:
"SAD NEWS. On the arrival of the Sydney dailies early this week, it was learned that Mr. Ernest Donald Gow, son of Mr. William Gow, of Ulmarra, Clarence River, had died in the Mena Hospital, Egypt, from pneumonia. Much regret has since been expressed at the sad news of the death of this young fellow, who gave his life for the honour of his country. Mr. Gow was at one time a telegraph messenger at the Albion Park post office, having with his parents lived at Croome …. it is known that young Gow was a popular officer wherever he went. In the post office he was most obliging and courteous. He was also fond of clean sport and did much to further the attractiveness of several sporting clubs in various towns in which he was relieving. Much sympathy is felt for the parents in losing so brave a son under such sad surroundings."
Matron Alice Cooper was born in Wollongong circa 1864. one of twelve children, Alice was a trained nurse when she enlisted at age 50! She embarked on 14 July, 1915 as Matron of the Hospital Ship Karoola. She spent the war travelling between Australia and combat areas bringing home and treating wounded and sick.
Sarah was one of the longest serving members of AIF serving from August 1914 till October 1919 and in every theatre of that conflict, from Rabaul, Suva, Egypt, England, France and Belgium. She worked on hospital ships, and field hospitals and, at Lemnos, served at the hospital caring for Gallipoli wounded
