They Gave Their Utmost

We have just finished binding They Gave Their Utmost: World War I for Louie Riggall, Alice Mitchell and Annie Whitelaw. This is a joint effort between Stratford and District Historical Society and Maffra and District Historical Society.

One of the most exciting things is that, while preparing this book, we were fortunate that a member of Miss Mitchell's family was able to give us a copy of a photograph of her when she was young.

This is Miss Alice Mitchell of Stratford, aged 22. It was at this time that she said goodbye to three brothers and young man who she was "very fond of" - we are now told there was no formal engagement. All four were killed in action. We did not until now know the name of Miss Mitchell's friend - it was Herb Peters.

The book will be available on Tuesdays at the Museum. The assistance of Miss Mitchell's family in piecing this together has been very much appreciated.

Louie Riggall was a Red Cross volunteer from Tinamba, who died on service in France in 1918. Annie Whitelaw, from Briagolong, sent six sons to war, three were killed in action and one died a short time after his return. Her headstone in the Briagolong cemetery records her loss.

The books, which are 44 pages, comb bound, sell at $12 plus $3.50 package and post.