A Bunbury military historian is working tirelessly to uncover important information about the South West's brave servicemen and women.
Following hours of pain-staking research over the past five years, Jeff Peirce has uncovered/collected details about 15 World War I service personnel from the region.
In the 12 months since Anzac Day 2018, the historian has added two servicemen to the list - Thomas Johnson Harrison of the 28th Battalion and Francis Henry Waddingham of the 7th Machine Gun Company.
"Waddingham had made a request to be in the last group to leave Gallipoli," Mr Peirce said.
"The machine gunners were there to make sure that all the men got away on the boats.
"It got down to four of them in the end, and Waddingham made sure that he was the last one to set foot in the rescue boat."
Mr Peirce fought to ensure the 15 names would be added to the Bunbury War Memorial, located at the Stirling Street/Victoria St intersection.
With assistance from Hancock Memorials in Davenport, a special plaque was then placed upon the site.
"These were all local men...it's extremely rewarding to see them be remembered and honoured in this way," he said.
Mr Peirce's grandfather served in the artillery in WWI before returning to Australia.
Following his grandfather's death, Mr Peirce began researching all those who fought to protect our country.
"I didn't know he had served until after he died," he said.
He died when he was 65, from the effects of the gas inhalation he had suffered while on the Western Front.
"Because my grandfather was my hero, I felt like I had a debt to re-pay to him.
"Since his passing, I have been trying to acknowledge/honour him by publishing as much as I can about the South West's contribution.
"I think what I've produced should be enough for my grandfather to say: 'That's my boy, he's really done something'."
Mr Peirce is now looking to complete special stories about 14 soldiers and nurses significant to Australia's military history.
The historian said the Bunbury community displayed a profound sense of respect for Anzac Day and Australia's service personnel.
Those looking to provide details about the soldiers listed on the Bunbury War Memorial can contact Mr Peirce via peircefamily_aus@hotmail.com
Visit anzacheroes.com.au/, bunburywarheroes.com.au, bunburywarmemorial.com.au/, or bunburyheritagewalk.com.au/ for more information about service personnel from the South West.
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