Research an ANZAC and have them included in Avenue of Honour

Just one month after arriving on the Western Front in 1917, Private Leslie Thompson – the great uncle of Fraser Coast Libraries staff member Sam Thompson – was in the trenches, holding the front line with his unit when an enemy shell exploded.

The World War I soldier was gravely wounded by shrapnel in the back and chest and, despite receiving treatment from the First Field Ambulance, he died of his injuries.

Ms Thompson has shared his story as an example of what people can find out if they participate in the libraries’ Research an ANZAC project.

She said humans had a deep need to know their past and war service records, along with other historical information, gave people a chance to gain an insight into the lives of their family or community members.

“Even being able to see their handwriting has a huge emotional impact,” Ms Thompson said.

“What better way to honour people in our family, or people from anywhere in Australia, who fought so we can be free.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said library staff were creating an ANZAC Day Avenue of Honour which would be filled with posters featuring information supplied by local adults and schoolchildren who researched an ANZAC.

“We’ll include a QR code on the posters so people with smart phones can access the written history of the ANZACs,” he said.

“To help people research an ANZAC, Sam has produced an online guide which can be accessed through our Eventbrite page at frasercoastlibrarites.eventbrite.com.

“Everyone has until April 18 to get their submissions, including a copyright-free photo, to us.

“We’re encouraging as many people as possible to participate so we can remember those who served our country.”