It was exciting last month to finally launch the printed version of the website.

The book Together They Served was launched in front of about 50 people at the Torquay RSL. It was great to meet and speak with family members of the men and women in the book as well as fellow historians and RSL members.

After five years of research, 700 men and women associated with the Surf Coast Shire have been identified as having enlisted in World War 1. Not all of these names were identified on the memorials scattered across the Shire.

Like the website, the memorials and honour boards form the basis of the book but there is much more information contained in the 460 pages. There are letters, diary excerpts, many more photos and stories of involvement in battles.

Complementary copies have been placed in the Torquay, Geelong and mobile libraries as well as the RSL’s across the Shire. Next week complementary copies will be distributed to schools and retirement villages.

Click on the book image below to access the digital copy. It is a low resolution pdf file. If you would like a larger resolution let me know via email.

With this large task now behind me, early next year I will begin the task of updating the website.

Please contact me if there are any omissions or errors via the ‘Contact Us’ page.

Thanks to Spencer Leighton, for this review.