DO you know who this soldier is?
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If so, you could be helping to solve a mystery of Koroit’s wartime history.
The photo is one of 41 portraits of soldiers discovered by chance during redevelopment works at Koroit and District Primary School.
Depicting former pupils of the school who put up their hands to serve King and country in World War 1, the photos had remained hidden behind the school’s Great War honour roll where they were placed during an unveiling ceremony on Anzac Day, 1918.
They came to light when the board was moved during the 2009 redevelopment, but it was not until recently that a project by the Koroit and District Historical Society to research and preserve them threw up the puzzle of this soldier’s identity.
History group research officer Kathy Baulch is keen to identify the young soldier and has asked for help from the general public.
“All but two of the 41 photos were named. We’ve since identified one of them as Edward Harold Artso, but we would love to hear from anyone who thinks they may know who the other one is,” she said.
Describing the photo discovery as “a wonderful treasure and very timely in view of the start of next year’s Great War centenary celebrations”, Ms Baulch said the photos had been scanned and copied with a view to displaying them at the historical society’s rooms at Koroit’s Victoria Park.
They will also be displayed at the Warrnambool RSL club as part of next year’s World War 1 centenary commemorations.
Anyone who can help identify the soldier can contact Ms Baulch on 55659286 or email kathyb@westvic.com.au
jmclaren@fairfaxmedia.com.au