On a recent European cruise, we stopped at Zeebrugge, and the ship offered an excursion to Ypres, Belgium, the site of three First World War battles. My husband and I booked the visit as I have a person in my family history, Andrew Petrie Porter, who remains missing after the Third Battle of Ypres, Belgium. I often research and write about Andy as he was known, as he is one of the favourites from my family history. The first battle … Continue reading
On the 4 August 1914 Australia was informed by telegram from England that a state of war existed with Germany. From a population of fewer than five million: Enlisted and served overseas: 324,000 Dead: 61,720 Wounded: 155,000 (all services) Prisoners of war: 4,044 (397 died while captive) (Source: Australian War Memorial at http://www.awm.gov.au/) These numbers meant that most families had either a direct family member or one from their extended family serving in one of the theatres of war and … Continue reading
