THE rich local tapestry of the Anzac tradition has been brought to light in a statewide digital history launched to coincide with this year's Anzac Day.
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From metropolitan Perth to the Outback, the painstaking project has taken two years to detail WA's 120-plus Returned and Services League sub-branches formed since the organisation's beginnings in May 1916.
The interactive website also contains every copy of the legendary RSLWA magazine The Listening Post, from the first edition in December 1921.
The complete text of the archive is keyword searchable, and so names, places and events can be researched instantly.
"The archive is a history gold mine, and the map charts every sub-branch of the RSL that has existed in the state," RSL history curator Naomi Lam said.
"You are able to see which branches were operating at certain periods of time and there are lots of historic photographs and a focus on important RSLWA milestones.
"Each sub-branch on the map has details on how they were established and their activities in the local community."
The interactive website is a window on the changing face of WA, showcasing stories from larger centres, along with little-known districts such as Noombling, Youanmi, Quelagetting and Watter carrin.
There were fascinating 'community of interest' sub-branches, too, such as Belmont's Poultry and Dairy Farmers and the Old Contemptibles, formed by a group of veterans who had served in France and Flanders in 1914.
The interactive site, www.rslcentenary.org.au, was launched on April 19 at the State Library of WA as part of an exhibition, From War to Remembrance A living history of the RSL.
"The digital history will continue as a precious resource for WA communities and for everyone interested in the vital role played by the RSL across our vast State," RSLWA president Graham Edwards said.
