Foremost among the ­soldiers who took part in the horrific fighting were the men of the 34th Battalion – known as Maitland’s Own.

The commemoration will take place at Maitland Regional Art Gallery in October, 2017.

All battalions took heavy losses but the 34th suffered more than 50 per cent casualties – a loss of 326 men.

This battle fought in Belgium had such significant ramifications among the ­population of this city and its ­surroundings that Maitland and District Historical Society has called for help from everyone in the area who might have information, ­photographs or letters to help with the commemoration.

The Society’s Passchendaele Centenary Committee chairman Peter Bogan said exhibition space had already been booked for October 2017 in Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

“We are seeking the loan of family items from World War I, especially from people whose family members served in the 34th Battalion – or the 33rd, 35th or 36th battalions,” Mr Bogan said.

“Photographs from the Passchendaele conflict are also needed for talks to various groups so the story of the battle can be spread to others.”

The Australian War Memorial has a great ­collection of original ­photographs, but these cost about $40 a copy.

“We believe we will need around 50 copies and our Society would greatly ­appreciate any donations to help us defray such costs.

“For our big commemoration day, we will also need a map of the battle area.”

The great attack, launched by British commander Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig on July 31, 1917, took place in appalling weather and ­continued until November.

Anyone with items to lend should phone Peter Bogan on 4933 7031 or Ruth Trappel on 4930 6916 to arrange for items to be catalogued or ­photographed.

Donations can be made to the historical society at PO Box 333, Maitland 2320.