William Brough

There is a noticeable pattern of men who served in both World Wars – if they survived relatively intact after their first experience. However, there is a lesser known contingent of soldiers who, when they served in the Great War, had already fought in a major conflict – the South African or Boer War. Recently

102 Years: Remembering Beersheba

To say I am constantly amazed by the calibre of stories that continue to come out of our district is an understatement. However, on discovering that the leader of the last great cavalry charge in history – one of the finest moments of Australia’s involvement in the Great War – had local connections, I was

Olly Hart

When I sit down to write I am constantly aware that each story is made up of many threads – often, those threads are literally part of the very history of the area, and not just a recounting of a Great War experience.  In choosing to write about the life of Oscar Hart, it is

A Son of Ballarat

There were many reasons as to why people chose to risk everything on a grand adventure or opportunity, to leave their families and cross oceans in search of new beginnings.  Certainly, the opening up of new lands in Australia was incredibly seductive for many early immigrants.  Coming as they did from overcrowded cities and, in

One Family’s Grief

When General Sir William Birdwood visited Ballarat in February 1920 to lay the foundation stone for the Arch of Victory, there were many touching and memorable moments:  a widow with her two fatherless sons, one proudly wearing his late father’s Military Medal; a list of distinguished soldiers being personally decorated by the famous general –

Ballarat Politician Who Did His Bit: Charlie McGrath

‘…I am getting quite used to the life, and although for a long time it was very hard to sleep on boards, and obey everybody who thought fit to order one about, I have got quite used to it, and have learnt to obey and salute with the best of them. It is hardly necessary

The Life of a Real Hero: Major Percy Black

One hundred years ago the name of Percy Black was known across Australia – it was a name synonymous with bravery on the field of battle. So courageous was Percy, that his mate, Harry Murray – Australia’s most decorated soldier of the Great War – referred to him as ‘…the bravest and coolest of all

The French Connection

The French Connection I have lost count of the stories I have told, stories of lives lived, lives lost.  Lives so vivid and filled with the most amazing achievements, of greatness on the world stage that they almost defy belief.  Some of those stories have left their mark, touching me with the unexpected.  I have

George Morton

Before George Morton had the chance to make an impact leading man into battle, he was stymied by his own physical strength. However, it is often those behind the scenes who eventually do the most productive work… The Morton family had already formed long, strong connections with Ballarat and district by the time George Frederick

The Christmas Billies

One of the most successful ventures by the Australian Red Cross during the Great War was the organising of the Christmas billies.  The old and the young – families with sons at the Front, children who felt inspired to “do their bit” packed billy cans with various comforts.  When a soldier received a Christmas billy