Digger Identification Project
They peer out anxiously from behind dusty glass. Young, fresh-faced Australians, keen to do their part for King and country, knowing full well that they may never return.
Antique shops all over Australia are full of photos or portraits of our First World War Diggers. Whether they be a dog-eared postcard or a large portrait surrounded by an ornate frame, these pictures once took pride of place in the hearts and homes of families all around the country. They were a daily reminder of the son, brother, husband or father who was off on the other side of the world “doing their bit.”
Given the special sentimental value these pictures must have once held it seems a shame that so many of them are now just nameless photos, destined to be sold off for a few quid amongst a bunch of assorted postcards or simply for their frames. But it needn't be that way.
In order to help identify these Diggers I set up We Will Remember Them (aka The Digger Identification Project) a website that was full of photos of unidentified Diggers so that people all around the world can share their resources, knowledge and expertise with the aim of identifying these brave men and ensuring they don't remain unknown for much longer.
I have now joined this with the virtual museum to create the one website. However to take part and try and identify these men simply look through the collection, which features many portraits of unknown Diggers, and if you have any idea as to who these men are, please contact us and let us know.
