Eight years of research brings Weddin’s WWI names to light

A passion for local history and a determination to ensure the stories of those who served their country are not forgotten has led Peter Grossman to publish his fourth book, Serving Their Country WW1 – From Grenfell and Weddin Shire NSW. The more than 470-page book draws on military service records, newspaper reports, letters home, photographs and other historical documents to provide a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those connected to the local area during the First World War. For Peter, the project began with a desire to learn more about the war’s impact on his hometown. “I’ve always loved Grenfell history, and nobody knew a great lot about the First World War,” he said. What started as an examination of local honour rolls and war memorials soon grew into a much larger undertaking, with Peter reading records spanning August 1914 to June 1923 to identify names and piece together individual stories. The research took approximately eight years, with Peter acknowledging there were times when he considered abandoning the project. The result is a comprehensive collection containing approximately 779 names - considerably more than the roughly 500 names traditionally found on the local honour roll. The book recognises people who were born in Grenfell, enlisted, lived or worked in the town, or otherwise had a connection to Grenfell and the surrounding district. It also includes people identified through local newspaper references, memorial records and National Archives research. Peter said the aim was to acknowledge those whose connections to the community might otherwise have gone unrecognised. “I just wanted to recognise those people and acknowledge that those men and women were here and had a connection to the town,” he said. “Not forgotten.” While the book provides an overview of available service records, it also offers a broader picture of the home-front effort. Photographs of servicemen and nurses, troopships and wartime scenes help bring the history to life, while newspaper articles and letters home provide insights into the experiences of those serving overseas. The book also highlights the work of the local community, particularly the Red Cross, in raising funds and continually supplying essential items to troops during the war. Peter has been careful in deciding what to include, choosing to leave out certain details to keep the book focused on its purpose. He has also acknowledged that, despite years of checking and cross-referencing, historical research is not always straightforward. Similar names, incomplete records and spelling variations can make it difficult to establish details with absolute certainty. The project has been a collaborative effort, with Peter’s partner contributing significantly to the research, including searching digitised records available through the National Archives. The book is self-published and marks the fourth contribution Peter has made to documenting the region’s history. His earlier works include People of the Western Shire and Early Pioneers, the latter expanding on local family histories after community members contacted him to say their stories had not been included in earlier publications. Born at Greenethorpe, Peter grew up in the district, attending primary and high school in Grenfell before moving to Melbourne in 2000. He and his partner returned to the area in 2021, drawn back by a quieter lifestyle and his continuing connection to the community. His interest in history began during his school years and has developed into a long-term commitment to preserving the stories of local people for future generations. Support from the Grenfell RSL Sub-Branch has also helped guide the latest project. Peter said Sub-Branch president Glen Ivins had assisted him in checking details relating to the memorial and ensuring the book’s presentation reflected Australian commemorative traditions. The cover features a sprig of rosemary, a symbol commonly associated with remembrance in Australia. Twenty copies have been donated to the Grenfell RSL Sub-Branch, with a limited number available for purchase at their street stall on 5 and 6 November. Copies of Serving Their Country WW1 are available for $50 from Over and Above Photography and The Tin Cupboard in Grenfell, or directly from Peter by emailing grossmanpeter6@gmail.com The book’s release comes ahead of the 108th anniversary of Remembrance Day, providing an opportunity for the community to reflect on the lives behind the names recorded on local memorials. For Peter he hopes that readers will enjoy the book and gain a greater appreciation of the people who helped shape the district’s wartime history. And with another project already underway examining First World War servicemen connected to the area, his work to uncover Grenfell’s past is continuing. Remembrance Day service The Grenfell RSL Sub-Branch will conduct the Weddin community’s Remembrance Day commemorative service on Wednesday, 11 November at Memorial Park, Grenfell. The service will commence at 10.45am and include a catafalque party by the Grenfell Army Cadets, the Last Post and Ode, a wreath-laying ceremony, presentations by Grenfell schools and a commemorative song. Belinda Day and Claudia McCarthy will sing God Defend New Zealand, God Save the King and Advance Australia Fair live. Members of the public are invited to lay wreaths and are encouraged to bring their own seating or picnic rugs. A post-service gathering with drinks and light refreshments will follow at the Grenfell Bowling Club. The luncheon is scheduled for 12pm for a 12.30pm start, at a cost of $25 per person for food, payable on the day. Bookings are essential, with no walk-ins due to catering requirements. RSVP by Wednesday 4 November by contacting Glen Ivins at grenfellSB@rslnsw.org.au For further information about the service, contact Glen Ivins, President of the Grenfell RSL Sub-Branch, at GrenfellSB@rslnsw.org.au