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Illawarra Remembers

Ahead of Remembrance Day on 11 November, Local Studies librarian Jo Oliver shares a story from the city’s archives

Jo Oliver  profile image
by Jo Oliver
Illawarra Remembers

Ahead of Remembrance Day on 11 November, Local Studies librarian Jo Oliver shares a story from the city’s archives

Illawarra Remembers is a Wollongong City Council Libraries website that commemorates those who served in World War I from our region. It has become a great resource for families, researchers and students. Members of the public have contributed information to the website and a number of scan and share days were held. Contributors shared a variety of family keepsakes ranging from photographs, diaries, letters and drawings to medals, badges and ID bracelets. These items have been added to the digital resources.

You can create an account on the website to add new content and tags. We also have some photographs of unknown soldiers on the website that you may be able to identify.

Visit www.illawarraremembers.com.au or click through the library’s website under the Explore Our Past tab. Any questions contact localhistory@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or 4227 7414.

Robert Sparkes Best. Photo thanks to Wollongong City Libraries Illawarra Images

Robert Sparkes Best was born in 1890 in Thirroul to Frederick Best and Agnes Rebekah Reid (nee). He was a builder prior to the war. He enlisted on 4 December 1916 at Thirroul at the age of 26. Robert joined the 1st Pioneer Battalion 6-10 Reinforcements and embarked from Sydney on 24 January 1917 on HMAT Anchises A68. Robert was discharged on 11 August, 1919. Service number: 3807A. He subsequently received the British War and Victory medals for his service. He married Mary Smith (nee) and together they had two children.

Jo Oliver  profile image
by Jo Oliver

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