What began as an interesting side issue involving a small database is turning into something more significant in terms not only of Chinese life in Australia, or the First World War but in relation to immigration history generally and the nature of multiculturalism and Australian social history. The WWI database now stands at 132 more or less confirmed. As members may have notice on other lists, I am constantly seeking relatives who may be able to add to the data already available. The WW2 list is very lengthy, with what now appears to be more than 1000 people listed. Names present a problem, especially in regard to WW2. Names such as Dow and Lee present unique problems as they are common to both Chinese and Europeans. The Currie name is associated with Central Victoria but not all Curries will share a Chinese forebear. It is now apparent that genealogy is a vital historical tool, especially at the undergraduate level. By looking into their family history, all students can find themselves linked to almost any event in Australian history at a highly personal level. I would encourage genealogical groups to strengthen their ties to their local universities. to illustrate just how important this is, take the following extract from a conference paper given in NZ in 1999. >When Granny Mah Look was approaching her ninety fifth birthday she >fell and broke her thigh bone. This injury kept her confined to bed >for about eight months in Vera Honey's care until she died on >February 1,1955. This amazing woman, a pioneer of the King Valley, >left one hundred and sixty four descendants. Twenty of her >grandchildren joined the Armed Services during World War Two, >nineteen grandsons in the Army and Air Force and one grandaughter an >Army nurse. Many of the family contributed voluntary work through >Red Cross and were active in community affairs. http://www.stevenyoung.co.nz/chinesevoice/ChinConf/S5.html I'd love to track down all those Mah Look descendants for the WWI and WW2 databases. Cheers Ian -- ianwelch@coombs.anu.edu.au