Courageous and Free
16 Nov 2016
'Courageous and Free' was officially launched at the Wanaka Public Library on Armistice Day, November 11. Five dedicated Otago authors have spent two years painstakingly collecting stories about Upper Clutha soldiers and nurses who died during World War 1 service. The Otago Community Trust was pleased to be able to assist the Upper Clutha Historical Records Society with a $1,100 donation towards this wonderful project.
The project initially set about detailing the lives of the 43 men and one nurse from the area who went to WW1 but did not return alive. However, as the authors researched the stories behind the names listed on Upper Clutha war memorials in Wanaka, Lake Hāwea and Tarras, they uncovered more names and stories of other soldiers not previously recorded.
Trustees John Wilson and Helen Webster, alongside Otago Community Trust Chair Ross McRobie attended the offical launch. Chair Ross McRobie congratulated the Upper Clutha Historical Society / Wanaka Genealogy Group book committee on their hard work and dedication and the successful completion of this important project.
More on the self published publication 'Courageous and Free' can be found in the below article.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/86017887/uncovering-the-courageous-and-free
