Unmarked First World War Graves to be Commemorated:

From:- Vetaffairs Autum 2019 p17

A number of unmarked graves of World War veterans who died after returning from the war will be commemorated under a two year pilot program.
Administrated by the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) the unmarked graves of the First World War Program will provide funding to help ex-service organisations, community groups and individuals properly acknowledge veterans service at their place of rest.

While the number of unmarked graves of First Word War veterans in Australia is unknown, there are many individuals and special interest groups who are passionately committed to ensuring they are identified and commemorated.

The program is an important step in ensuring every veteran who died after the First World War Armistice is remembered for their service. Communities across Australia who are aware of unmarked graves are encouraged to consider making an application.

Of an estimated 331,800 personnel deployed during the First World War, about 271,800 service men and women returned to Australia. Of these about 137,000 were wounded. Only one body of a fallen serviceman was returned to Australia.

For further is available on the folllwing web site:- https://www.dva.gov.au/. The OAWG can be contacted via email on wargraves@dva.gov.au or by phone on 1800 555 245

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to receive funding assistance the following applies:

• The current unmarked grave is located in Australia and is the grave of a First World War veteran.
• The First World War veteran served in the Australian Forces and died within 20 years of the end of the First World War.
• The applicant has the authority to alter the grave. This may be in the form of having the Right of Burial or in the absence of that, authority from the cemetery where the grave is located.
• The applicant provides a quote for the total cost of the marker. Please note that there is a capped amount of $450 (exclusive of GST) for each application.

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Moya Sharp

Owner at Outback Family History

My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.

Latest posts by Moya Sharp (see all)

• The Railway Arrives in Boulder – a quiet affair - 16/11/2024
• Beware of Victorians Bearing Gifts – - 16/11/2024
• A Wedding at Maybe – - 16/11/2024