If you need to reconstruct or check your district list of names of those who died while serving during World War II, an IT based solution is now in sight.
The straightforward system under consideration is to use the Office of Australian War Graves Record Cards (Series A8231) which, for every name on Australia’s Roll of Honour, shows the place (district, city, shire, town) supplied by next of kin for commemorating the life of that person. Once that information is ‘posted’ on the Australian War Memorial’s website, the relevant list of names plus other data will be accessible simply by keying in the name of your district, then all sub district place names.
Thus reconstructing or simply checking existing district lists would be an altogether straightforward process involving negligible cost.
To make this happen, it is only necessary to provide the Australian War Memorial, which would bear the set up costs, with solid evidence that demand exists across Australia’s districts. Understandably, the AWM must be convinced that the system is wanted and that it would be used by Local Governments, RSLs, district historical societies, genealogists, and so forth.
Responses should be directed to Major General S.N.Gower AO, Director, Australian War Memorial, GPO Box 345, Canberra, ACT 2601. In addition, so we can assess the total responses from all sources (Local Government, RSLs, historical societies) we would greatly appreciate receiving a copy of your response, addressed to Ian Buckley, 56 Arthur Circle Forrest, ACT 2603.
For further information, contact Ian Buckley on (02) 6295 9543 or email ibuckley@cybermac.com.au
