The Anzacs who came to Weymouth 1915 to 1919
We are a group of family historians in Weymouth, Dorset, part of The Somerset & Dorset Family History Society. To mark the centenary of the start of The First World War, we are researching just some of the 120 thousand sick and injured Anzac troops who were sent to our town to convalesce from the Gallipoli campaign, and later from The Western Front in France and Flanders. Many soldiers married local girls, so there are still strong family ties between Australia and Dorset.
We would very much like to hear from you if you have a family connection to these soldiers, a story to tell, or any photographs showing the town, the camps or individuals at that period. In return we can supply you with photographs of the war graves of the ninety or so Anzacs who lie buried in our cemeteries, and a biography of each soldier buried.
About our project
The Anzac Memorial on Weymouth Seafront, erected in 2005 is made of Portland stone.
Below: Anzac Day Service
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"There cannot be many people today whose ancestors were not touched by World War One. Despite the passage of 100 years, it's a war many of us are familiar with. There are memorials in every village, town and city, acts of remembrance are followed every November to mark its conclusion, and its necessity or futility is still keenly debated."
The Princess Christian Hospital on the site of Weymouth Hospital
Photo: Copyright Alun Beard
Photo: Phil Sherwood