The group hopes to source photos of people who enlisted from the district.

Heritage Darlington Point secretary Mona Finley said it was more important than ever to ensure images and stories were not lost.

“The grandchildren of frst war soldiers are now aged over 50 and they are the last to have actually known them as a person and not just a name; possibly the last who can identify a photograph of them,” she said.

“Grandchildren of Second War veterans are not far behind them, in their 40s. Official service records tell only the bare facts of a soldier’s service – it is the family yarns and memories that give life to a story.”  

The group believes some of the people who enlisted were born locally, but records show that many had come to the region to live and work, from homes elsewhere.

Mrs Finley said the group would love to hear from anyone with information.

“Photographs of those named on the town’s war memorial will be especially welcome,” she said.

Mrs Finley said the scope of the search was being extended to include service personnel with a Darlington Point connection involved in any 20th century conflict  – Boer, First or Second World War, Malayan Emergency, Korea or Vietnam.  

In addition, the group hopes to record not only those who wore uniforms, but to include those  who were engaged  in supporting activities on the home front – recruitment, fund raising, munitions, dispatching parcels to soldiers, and of course, Land Army.

Heritage Darlington Point is planning a display on April 26, called ‘Commemoration’ at the Darlington Point local museum.

Mrs Finley said all assistance received would be properly acknowledged.

She said any photographs lent will be treated with care and copies would be made at the committee’s own expense before returning the originals to their owners. 

Between 2014 and 2018 Australia will commemorate the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since our nation’s involvement in the First World War.

The Anzac Centenary is a milestone of special significance to all Australians.

During the Anzac Centenary Australians will remember not only the original ANZACs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but commemorate more than a century of service by Australian servicemen and women.

The milestone encompasses all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations in which Australians have been involved. 

It aims to give all Australians the opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of all those who have worn our nation’s uniform, including the more than 102,000 who have made the supreme sacrifice defending their country.

For more information visit www.murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au

Anyone who may be able to help the group is asked to firstly contact Heritage Darlington Point, PO Box 72, Darlington Point, 2706, or send an email to heritagedp@hotmail.com