War

War has impacted the communities of the Hunter Valley, and is part of our history. The men and women of the Hunter Valley have served as soldiers, doctors and nursed in many overseas conflicts since federation in 1901, from the Boer War, through the World Wars, the Vietnam War and most recently the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Miners from the Hunter Valley made a unique contribution in World War 1. Due to their skills, they were able to dig tunnels underneath battlefields and enemy lines. It was during this time that the Australian Mining Corps was formed. 

Famous Soldiers

• Sir Edgeworth David
• Captain Clarence Jeffries, VC
• Lieutenant Joseph Maxwell, VC

Local Battalions

Read about the 34th and 35th Battalions.