Kempsey’s tragic WWI history brought to life in new book

The history of Kempsey families and their extraordinary contribution to Australia’s World War 1 involvement has been documented by the Kempsey Family History Group and their book Fallen Brothers of the Macleay 1914-1918.

Fallen Brothers of the Macleay 1914-1918 reveals harrowing stories of WWI and how the fallout of the war impacted Kempsey, revealing 18 families each lost more than one son during The Great War.

The book was partly funded through a 2020-21 Mayoral Community Fund grant and was launched at the Kempsey Macleay RSL Memorial Hall during the 2021 Macleay Seniors Festival.

“The Mayoral Community Grant gave the group the extra encouragement and the financial support to write and publish this book,” said the history group’s secretary, Debbie Reynolds.

“It highlights the military history of the fallen brothers from the Macleay Valley during World War 1 and showcases this community’s rich history.”

You can purchase a copy of Fallen Brothers of The Macleay 1914 -1918 for $20 from the Kempsey Family History Group Meeting Room at the Kempsey Railway Station any Tuesday or Thursday between 10am and 2pm or on Saturday mornings.

The Mayoral Community Fund forms part of Council’s Community Grants Program.