Who Is AGWA

Outline:                       The Australian Great War Association is a living history group dedicated to preservation, education, re-enactment & research into the First World War. Our members assist community groups, veteran organizations, schools, museums and the Australian Defence Force on days of remembrance, at historical events, parades, talks & displays showcasing our military heritage. Through such events we hope to give the general public a better understanding of the important role Australia played in what became known as the Great War. We are not a battle re-enactment society. It is not our intention to glorify war but to remember the deeds of ordinary men in an extraordinary time. The Great War saw our loss of innocence as a nation but also the birth of our national identity & the ANZAC tradition. Although it was fought on the other side of the world, this conflict had an impact on almost every household in Australia. The names on the memorials in each country town & city suburb stand to remind us of the extent of this sacrifice. Those who enlisted believed they were fighting the war to end all wars, for peace & a better future. AGWA is a non-profit making organisation. Each member purchases his own uniform & equipment and is instructed in their use from the original training manuals. Many of our members are current serving or ex-service personnel, or have relatives who fought in the Great War. While our focus is on the AIF the units & corps we can represent are many and varied.

Aims:                          To preserve the memory of those who served in the Great War with dignity & respect. To promote public awareness of Australia’s role in the Great War.

To recreate the training, drill & appearance of the soldiers that fought in the Great War for re-enactment purposes. To facilitate practical research into the daily lives, experiences, uniforms and equipment of the men who served in the Australian Imperial Force.

Structure:                   AGWA operates as an incorporated association with public liability insurance through the Australian Living History Federation inc. We currently parade monthly. Each of our files is built around a section, battery or troop with rank appointed on the basis of numbers and experience as required.

Other:                         Volunteer work for the RSL including ANZAC badge sales & poppy drives as well as educational talks to local schools & youth groups.

Projects:                     Over the next four years AGWA plans to develop period recruitment stands and static displays showcasing the 90^th anniversaries of the Gallipoli campaign and the war on the Western Front. Our members will also be available to provide professional honour guards in accurate period uniforms for ceremonies and memorial services marking these events. For this purpose we plan to work in close association with veteran organisations, the current serving Army, the Australian War Memorial & Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.