WWI Declared

Today, as we recognise the centenary of the declaration of World War I, we remember all those who served, and all the families who lost members in the war.

Research continues on Louie Riggall, who we now understand was one of only three Australian Red Cross women to die on service. We hope to be able to announce, in conjunction with Stratford and District Historical Society, publication in the near future of a small book on Louie, Alice Mitchell and Annie Whitelaw.



In the meantime, the most pressing matter occupying Maffra immediately after the declaration of war, was the whereabouts of the sugarbeet seed for the next season, somewhere on the high seas on a German ship. Was it going to arrive, or would the ship get news of events, and immediately abort its arrival in Melbourne?

The full story will appear in our next Bulletin, which is currently being finalised.