Thursday, September 11, marked the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first deaths as part of World War I, when six men fell in the brief but bitter encounter at Bita Paka in, what was then, German New Guinea.

Five Australian sailors and one soldier, a medical officer, lost their lives in the Battle of Bita Paka.

“These men paid the ultimate sacrifice in a successful campaign to prevent a German fleet from dominating the Pacific and threatening Allied shipping,” recalled Federal Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis.

Yet with all eyes seemingly focused on next year’s centenary of the landing on Gallipoli, giving rise to the legend and tradition of the Anzacs, little attention is being paid to the early action within World War I.

That will change in coming weeks when the Times starts examining the lives and families of those from the Milton Ulladulla area, and those they left behind.

We are working with noted Public Historian Cathy Dunn to breathe new life into the stories, the experiences, and the losses of locals serving their nation during the war.

Each week for a year we will highlight a local person or local family, delving into letters, postcards and historical documents to tell their stories.

And we welcome your contributions, with any family records, letters or photographs or relatives who served in World War I.

Contact the editor, Glenn Ellard, on 4455 1244, or glenn.ellard@fairfaxmedia.com.au to be part of the coverage.

Mrs Sudmalis said she was also working on “a number of local projects that will help provide opportunities for all local residents to commemorate”.

That will include a close look at November 30, 1915, when 50 Shoalhaven men left their homes for Sydney, marching as part of a recruitment drive for WWI.

By the time this group reached Sydney, their numbers had swelled to 117.

“This is our local legend of the Waratah March,” Mrs Sudmalis said.