A new publishing venture offers families the chance to have the story of their war hero relative researched, written and recorded for all time in print.
Australian War Stories, an initiative of Australian Associated Press (AAP), will depict the individual wartime of experience of men and women who served their country in World War I and World War II.
The personal narratives will use war records, archival material, letters and newspaper accounts to trace a soldier's journey from enlistment through training, postings and battles to the end of their service.
AAP chief executive officer Bruce Davidson says Australian War Stories is a special way for families to understand and preserve the story of a loved one who went to war.
"Every person's story is different and we are able to craft, in compelling detail, each individual's experience," Mr Davidson said.
"It really puts the reader in their relative's footsteps, in a way that has not been done before."
The personal history is written as a unique, 10,000-word story incorporating the wider context of the war and presented in a 96-page hardcover book with four pages of photographs.
The launch of the venture coincides with the 100th anniversary of the start of Australia's involvement in World War I, on August 4, 1914, and the 75th anniversary of the start of World War II, on September 3, 1939.
"As Australia marks these important milestones, many families will naturally reflect on the service their relative gave during the war," Australian War Stories executive editor Philip McLean said.
Commissioning a relative's war story created a tribute that could be passed on to future generations, he said.
"The book we write for them becomes a permanent record of their loved one's commitment and sacrifice in war," he said.
More information is available at www.australianwarstories.com.au
Share
