The Battle of Bita Paka (what was then German New Guinea)was fought on September 11, 1914.  Five Australian sailors and one soldier, a medical officer, lost their lives.

As part of the WWI centenary commemorations, Tongarra Museum and Albion Park resident Phil Thomson released a list of veterans whose information or family can not be located.

So far, 315 enlisted soldiers have been tracked down, 88 of who were killed in service and 53 who fought at Gallipoli.

Mr Thompson said they were trying to locate the veterans’ families or any extra information on the servicemen who signed up with the Australian Army.

 “I have already tracked down 315 from Kiama, Jamberoo, Gerringong, Shellharbour, Albion Park, Marshall Mount and Robertson,” he said.

“If they had any link with Albion Park, Shellharbour or Kiama they are quite traceable, but we had a lot of immigrants in this area during that time and without a direct link they are very difficult to locate.

“Many of the immigrants came to Australia and were working in this area. They had signed up here, then went overseas and were killed in the war, and have seemingly fallen off the face of the earth.

“A lot of these people just seemed to have disappeared and we just want to give them the recognition they deserve.”

On the list from Centenary Hall Roll of Honour that can not be traced are: M White, J Hamilton, W Lemessuer, G Taylor, E Oldfield, S McDonald, A E Hayes / Haves, C Harper and G Hunter. 

In addition, is a list of names on the Marshall Mount Roll of Honour: J Piper, T Harnan / Harman and H Allen. 

Once located, the information will go in a museum display for the centenary of WWI.

Mr Thomson said they hoped residents would recognise a name or be able to provide extra information on others who may have served in WWI and were not on the list.

For more information or to provide information phone Tongarra Museum on 4256 6698 or email tamara.hynd@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au