By Jenel Hunt
A local history project has recently received global recognition. Even more importantly, it captured the stories of a World War II veteran while he was still alive.
The short film, “Second Generation ANZAC – the Story of Alf Carpenter” was produced by This Story Australia and directed by its co-founder Jeff Hughes in collaboration with local author and military historian Deb Wheeler.
The documentary, funded by a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant from the Southern Downs Regional Council, took out Best Short Documentary at the Mykonos International Film Festival.
Deb said it had been an honour to share and document the life of the Battle of Crete veteran and to share his personal stories.
“It is so important to capture the stories of our veterans and to hear them tell their stories in their own words before their proud history is lost,” she said.
“We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to film Alf talking about his life and his national service, from humble beginnings in Wagga Wagga to the Middle East, Greece, Crete, New Guinea and beyond.
“At 105, Alf Carpenter OAM was the quintessential digger and it was momentous that he got to see the documentary before he passed away in September last year.“
Deb said the documentary had been inspired by her book, “Silk Clouds and Olive Trees: Stories from the Battle of Crete”. As well as Alf’s memories in his own words from his home in a Newcastle aged care complex, his personal diary entries were interspersed through the film and narrated by Australian contemporary poet Rupert McCall OAM.
It’s not Deb’s only recent historical project, either.
She has collated a work titled “Personal Diaries of Reece Tart, Rat of Tobruk WWII”. The personal diaries were provided for reference by Pam Hockings.
“Reece was my Mum’s youngest brother,” Pam said.
A copy of “Personal Diaries of Reece Tart, Rat of Tobruk WWII” can be found in the local history collection at the Warwick Library. A digital copy is available at the library and is also accessible through the State Library of Queensland.
