St Joseph’s Payneham students delve into World War I history by researching locals who fought in the Gallipoli campaign

IT IS just over a month until the nation commemorates 100 years since the first Anzacs landed at Gallipoli, but St Joseph’s Payneham students have started their tributes.

24/2/15. St Joseph's Payneham School has received a government grant to help establish an ANZAC Trail along Portrush Rd. The trail is to commemorate the 100th Anniversary, opening on 8th April. John Fynn with his children, who go to the school, Bernard - 8yrs and Kiera - 4yrs, who he had a great Uncle that went to WW1 and 2. Pic Keryn Stevens

IT IS just over a month until the nation commemorates 100 years since the first Anzacs landed at Gallipoli, but St Joseph’s Payneham students have started their tributes.

They are researching local Diggers who fought in the Gallipoli campaign in 1915 and those who enlisted after Gallipoli and fought in the war until it ended in 1918.

Some students have discovered ancestors who served in World War I.

Bernard, 8, has his great, great, uncle John Sheridan’s dog tags and has enjoyed researching the war and his family’s history.

“I learnt that not everyone had to go to war because I thought every boy had to go at a certain age,” Bernard says.

Siblings Thomas 11, and Chloe, 7, have researched their great, great, uncles, Cornelius and Charles Shea, who enlisted in the army in April and June, 1915, respectively and fought on the Western Front.

Chloe is proud of her ancestors.

“They were both in the 50th Battalion and Anzac Day will be a day to remember them and the special people who fought in the war to keep our land,” Chloe says.

The school has received $4000 as part of the Federal Government’s Anzac Centenary Local Grants scheme to establish an Anzac trail along Portrush Rd.

The trail will feature sand, native Australian plants, a banner and a history board with snippets of information about the veterans and the legacy of the Anzacs.

The school will officially open the trail on April 8.

Principal assistant Dora Cavuoto says it is important for young people to feel connected to the Anzacs and remember all those who sacrificed their lives for their country.

“It’s about bringing back what happened in the past and bringing it to life so it has meaning to the children,” Ms Cavuoto says.

THIS story is part of Messenger’s 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile 100 South Australian World War I heroes as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during World War I, let us know. Please go to your local Messenger’s Facebook page and send us the details.

Originally published as St Joseph’s Payneham students delve into World War I history by researching locals who fought in the Gallipoli campaign