Juxtaposing the treatment of citizens of German descent living in Westgarthtown with the experiences of their relatives who were fighting and dying for Australia during World War I, Westgarthtown & WWI is a moving documentary presented by the Friends of Westgarthtown.

Almost 70 descendants of the German settlers of Westgarthtown fought on all battlefronts; some being decorated, others losing their lives, whilst others returned to Australia carrying a heavy burden.

Back at Westgarthtown, their relatives were viewed by their neighbours with suspicion. Instead of seeing fellow citizens, some saw the enemy. It is an issue that resonates in Australia today.

Westgarthtown & WWI is based on the research paper Gumleaf Germans — Westgarthtown during WWI written by historian Robert Wuchatsch.

Explore

• Gumleaf Germans — The story of Westgarthtown during WWI
• Enlistees — Full list of WWI enlistees with Westgarthtown ancestry

This project was funded under the Australian Government's ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program.