Boxes help deepen understanding of Australia’s war history

Karratha residents can get up close and personal with Australia’s wartime history in the lead-up to this Anzac Day thanks to a set of artefacts from the Australian War Memorial.

The City of Karratha local history office has loaned two “memorial boxes” from the national memorial, each containing real and replica wartime items including military uniforms, photos, maps and medals.

This is the first time the City has loaned memorial boxes, which are in high demand nationally and took a year-long application process to get.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said the items would deepen people’s understanding of what Australia went through during war.

“Australia’s wartime history is incredibly important to our regional and national identity and we are honoured to have these memorial boxes here in the City of Karratha for our community to experience,” he said.

“They provide a unique learning opportunity for our younger generation ahead of our Anzac Day commemorations on April 25.”

Last week Wickham Primary School students used the memorial box items to learn about the Roebourne and Cossack residents who served in the 10th Light Horse Brigade during World War I.

The two boxes will be on display in the Karratha library on April 14 and 15, before being sent to Fremantle.

To book a visit, contact the Karratha library.