Our Wartime Heroes: firsthand stories from men and women who were there

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An enormous effort by the Bunbury community was needed to erect a memorial to those who died during WWI.

In this, the final episode of the podcast, hear accounts from those who were there on the day of the unveiling in 1924.

Narrator Bunbury Returned Soldiers League President John Gelmi. Women's accounts voiced by Jeannie Douglas-McPaul and Jennifer Kain.

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Percy had been badly wounded during the battle for Pozieres during WWI.

He was absolutely determined, however, that he was going to rejoin his mates on the Western Front.

The army needed men and so...

Narration Sharon Kennedy. Voice of Percy, Rhys Hughes. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.

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Percy was a talented writer who painted a picture of a soldier's life and routines in letters back home.

He took part in the battle at Pozieres Ridge where his bravery was recognised.

Narrator Sharon Kennedy. Voice of Percy, Rhys Hughes. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.

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A clever, thoughtful young lad, Percy was determined to enlist. Before he embarked, he married his sweetheart.

While training in Eqypt, Percy put his writing skills to use. His description of the beauty of Egypt contrasted with the horror he was to face on the Western Front.

Narration Sharon Kennedy. Voice Percy, Rhys Hughes. Written Jeffrey Peirce.

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From the hell of Heliopolis to the horror of the troop ships, Australian army nurse Beatrice proved her worth many, many times.

At a casualty clearing station, she worked closest to the front line that nurses were allowed. At times, nurses had to shelter during bombing raids.

Narration Andrew Robinson. Voice of Beatrice, Adele Peirce. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.

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In WWI, the Australian nurses gained a reputation for their selflessness and adaptability. Beatrice was one.

Assigned to the hospital ships, she coped with lack of water, inadequate supplies and had to take on more responsibility than she would have assumed in peace time.

Narration Andrew Robinson. Voice of Beatrice, Adele Peirce. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.

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Sister Beatrice of the Australian nursing contingent coped with heavy workl0ads.

She gives a vivid account of the day to day nursing practice as the sick and wounded men arrived from Gallipoli.

Narration Andrew Robinson. Voice of Beatrice, Adele Peirce. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.

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In Gaza, the Turks had strengthened their position with added trenches, machine guns and barbed wire.

On the 19th April, George called upon all his experience and ability to lead men in the Second Battle of Gaza.

The regiment travelled over rough ground towards the enemy fire.

The citation for his Military Cross in part reads; "He displayed great coolness...and was responsible in a great degree in re-organizing the Regiment and meeting the counter attack of the enemy."

Further, the citation notes that "...the Regiment owes in no small degree its present standard of efficiency to this officer."

Having served his country with honour, George was distressed to have news that his family needed him.

Narration Sharon Kennedy. Voice of George Rosevear Ron Tait. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.

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At Gallipoli, the Australian 10th Light Horse were parted from their beloved horses. They didn't shirk their duty, but joined the fighting as foot soldiers.

George was a career solider who was appointed Sergeant Major of the regiment which was to gain fame for its actions at the Nek and Hill 60,

Narration Jennifer Kain. Voice of George, Ron Tait.

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Midwife Kate Bruton ran her own private hospital in country Western Australia. In 1914, she needed respite and sailed for London.

WWI was in the early stages of the conflict but the call for nurses was urgent. Matron Bruton enlisted and was posted to Antwerp. She soon experienced the difficulties of nursing in makeshift hospital.

She and her fellow nurses quickly showed their capabilities.

Narration Rhys Hughes. Voice of Kate Jennifer Kain. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.