About the AWGPA
The Australian War Graves Photographic Archive is committed to digitally photographing every Australian War Grave and Memorial Commemoration of Australia's Armed Forces. This commitment stems from a labour of respect dedicated to the supreme sacrifice made by all Australian military personnel. It is through this that we are committed to seeing this non-profit project to its completion.
Most Australians are aware of the service participation of our Armed forces; past and present, but many, especially those from more recent generations, may be surprised by the extent of that service. The fact that more than 112,000 Australian military personnel are commemorated in 83 countries throughout the world, is testament to this. This number will continue to rise, as long as Australians serve in conflicts around the world.
The photographs procured throughout this project will be used to create an Internet Web Site Archive to be accessible to all Australians and will attempt to continue and extend the spirit and awareness of the 'ANZAC' Legend and increase awareness of service.
The formation of this web site can be seen as an attempt to increase the accessibility of information and images of Australian War Graves and Memorials from places deemed quite inaccessible. Every Australian will be able to access the web site, locate an individual war grave or commemoration via a search engine, peruse information pertaining to that image and obtain a copy for posterity.
The project currently employs hundreds of volunteers, including students, current and past military personnel (including Cadets), Historical and Genealogical Societies and Associations, schools and youth groups, Social Clubs, Australian individuals, International communities and travellers, to assist us in photographing and/or procuring images of every Australian War Grave or Commemoration.
The Australian War Graves Photographic Archive will, in the future, attempt to work in conjunction with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Office of Australian War Graves, the Department of Veteran's Affairs, Australian War Memorial, National Archives of Australia; Federal, State and Local Governments and Australian Embassies and High Commissions, throughout countries in which Australians are commemorated. It is the expressed wish that on completion of the project, that the image archive be presented to the Australian people, as it concerns their invaluable heritage.
There are other Commwealth War Graves Projects being run in conjunction with the AWGPA, and although independantly run, they form a large family grouping with the same ideals, values and goals in mind. (See War Graves Projects)
Participation in this project will not only allow all individuals to be part of an historic and monumental task, but will provide opportunity to educate and to increase knowledge of Australian battles, areas of conflict, individuals commemorated and ultimately provide greater understanding as to why so many Australians have responded to their country's call. As the project progresses, Australian War Graves and Memorial Commemorations from conflicts such as the Boer War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Malayan Emergencies, Indonesian Confrontations, and Vietnam, The Gulf Wars and Peace-Keeping Operations, will be included.
The AWGPA is a totally Non-Profit Endeavour, and any funding, contributions or assistance is utilised in a manner befitting the memory of our brave forebears.
MATT SMITH B.Ed
Archive Director
' TOO FAR AWAY
THY GRAVE TO SEE
BUT NOT TOO FAR
TO THINK OF THEE'
Epitaph:
Private J.T. Holdroyd,
22nd Battalion AIF, Menin Road South Cemetery,
Ieper, Belgium
' Lest We Forget '