Personal Canberra stories
Australians could hardly have imagined the scale of what they were about to embark upon when war was declared in 1914. Their involvement would affect almost every person in the country and leave 60,000 dead from a population of just 4.5 million.
When a second, more formidable conflict loomed, Australians were again not found wanting as once more they volunteered to fight in the nation’s navy, army and air force. Their personal experiences were both triumphant and tragic, and they left lasting effects of pride, loss and grief for them and their families.
Here is a selection of stories from members of the Canberra community.
The Eddison brothers
Rear Admiral John Crace
Private John Saunders
Southwell family
Flying Officer Jean Starling
Ernest Murray
Learn More About Canberra's Military History