I am privileged indeed to have been asked to write the foreword to this very important publication. The Department of Education and Training has a proud history of association with the armed forces, with many teachers serving in conflicts in which Australia has been involved across the world. Many of them gave their lives for their country while on active service.

To honour these brave teachers, over the past century a number of memorials have been dedicated in their memory. These memorials include honour boards, tablets, a remembrance book, a painting and a tapestry. Most of these memorials are located in the Department’s State Office in Bridge Street.

The honour boards are the faithful tokens of appreciation, admiration and gratitude of those for whom these people served. That, to me, on behalf of all those listed here on these boards, is all we need to know.

To all people responsible for this publication, we offer our sincere thanks. They have recognised the importance of such a document as an invaluable reference. More important, it is offered as a significant reminder of what patriotism and sacrifice mean. To me, that is the essence of this book.

It is pleasing to know that it faithfully records the efforts of many people through the years who worked to keep the flame alight.

During the research on the contributions of soldier-teachers material was also found on the patriotism and sacrifice of non-teaching staff and Technical Education students.

While this information was strictly outside the scope of the project, it was decided to include it in the interests of preserving valuable historical records honouring others integrally associated with public education in this State.

We are truly indebted to Dr Ken Boston, Director-General of Education and Training and Co-Patron of the Teachers Sub-Branch, RSL for his support in initiating this project and covering all costs associated with the publication of this book and the construction of the new World War II Honour Board.

While many people have contributed to the publication of this book, I would like to make specific mention of the following for their efforts: Mr Tom Spencer for his tireless work in researching the topic and providing the original text; Phil Bolte for his editing and production of the final draft; Mary Schmidt for her assistance in researching in the NSW Teachers Federation archives; Mary McPherson for the information on the World War I and World War II memorials gained through Departmental archives and historical records; and Gary Crawford for his work in final editing, layout and printing.

Also, I thank Sue Simpson, the President of the NSW Teachers Federation for her ongoing support as Co-Patron of the Teachers Sub-Branch of the RSL. John Hennessy, the General Secretary of the NSW Teachers Federation, greatly facilitated the research for this publication by making available to the Sub-Branch the resources of the Federation Library.

Geoff Falkenmire, OAM
President
Teachers Sub-Branch, RSL
27 April 2000

Preface