The Lost Diggers of Weston

~ Faces of sacrifice from the Alexander Galloway Collection ~

Above: A group of World War I Diggers and civilians outside of the Criterion Hotel in Weston NSW

From the Alexander Galloway Collection

~ Coalfields Local History Association

In 1916, amidst the tumultuous First World War era, Scottish-born photographer Alexander Galloway captured timeless portraits of young Australian soldiers preparing to depart for the front lines. Operating from his studios in Weston (established in 1905), Kurri Kurri, Cessnock, and Rutherford (Maitland), Galloway well served the Coalfields communities of the NSW Hunter Region with his prolific photography. His military subjects, drawn from Weston and nearby towns, stood proudly in their uniforms, their faces reflecting courage, youth, and the weight of impending sacrifice. Using delicate glass plate negatives, Galloway preserved these moments with remarkable clarity, a testament to his skill as a regional photographer.

Hidden for nearly a century under a house in Weston, NSW, these fragile negatives were rediscovered in 2010 during renovations, narrowly escaping destruction. They were handed to Coalfields Local History Association (formerly the Coalfields Heritage Group) whose volunteers, together with Towns With Heart, devoted countless hours to carefully cleaning the plates that were originally found caked in mud. With Mr. Bill Ruddick’s expertise in scanning, the volunteers ensured these images could be digitally preserved. The wish of the the late Brian John Andrews O.A.M., a driving force behind the Coalfields Heritage Group, was that the public find out about these great images and that they were made available to add to the history of the veterans of our area.

This collection holds profound historical and emotional significance. Our 'Lost Diggers' gallery showcases 58 of Galloway's evocative portraits. We've applied a sepia filter, which can help reveal more intricate details for some. Many of these soldiers remain unidentified, their stories yet to be told, so we invite you to look into their faces, honour their service, and reflect on the sacrifices made by these young Australians. The discovery of ‘The Lost Diggers of Weston’ collection stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance and the power of community effort in uncovering hidden histories. Efforts to identify the remaining unknown soldiers and share their stories is ongoing, ensuring this sacred piece of local history endures for future generations.

If you have old family photographs—perhaps passed down from grandparents or great-grandparents—please do check them to see if they include military service photographs that might match these images. And if so, please contact the Coalfields Local History Association. Together, we may be able to restore their names and stories to history.

Coalfields Local History Association Inc

209 Cessnock Road, Abermain, NSW.

Phone: +61 2 4044 8020

Email: coalfieldshistory@gmail.com

Alexander Galloway's