On the day before Anzac Day, noted Hunter military historian David Dial will take part in a very special ceremony in Newcastle.
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This will be the unveiling and dedication of the Anzac Centenary Walkway, with panels of some 3500 family names of Hunter Valley men and women who fought in World War 1 – “the war to end all wars.”
The battle honours all Hunter Valley soldiers and sailors who fought in that war will be unveiled.
It will be a particularly significant event for Mr Dial who, through his research, was able to provide those names on the walkway memorial.
“This will also be the first time that Hunter Valley men who served in the Royal Australian Navy will have been officially acknowledged,” Mr Dial said.
He is particularly conscious of the significance to Australians today of the ill-fated landing at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.
“At Anzac Cove, the link between Australian and New Zealand forces was forged and Anzac was born,” Mr Dial said.
“New Zealanders proved to be very worthy brothers in arms.
“The Gallipoli campaign was a defining moment in our history and a test of Australian resilience.
“I myself believe that war had to be fought,” Mr Dial said.
“In Australia, we very strongly supported France and Belgium after those countries were invaded by the Germans.
“Thousands of pounds were raised in the Hunter Valley for the war effort in the first few months.
“The people of Maitland played a very big part in this and they can be very proud of the efforts of their forebears.”
But the war took its toll: there would have been very few Hunter Valley families who did not have a husband, father, brother or uncle killed or wounded.
Mr Dial said some 2000 Hunter Valley men died in World War 1.
About 200 from the Hunter Valley had died at Gallipoli, many with no known grave.
“Gallipoli was mainly trench warfare, but I believe its centenary should be commemorated by all of us,” Mr Dial said.
“April 25 commemorates a special time we should never forget.”