Robert Curtis: Great Southern Line
Robert Curtis: A Soldiers Story Cleaner, Fireman, Driver: Goulburn War Service record: NAA B2455, CURTIS R (Service no. 25576) NSWGR Employment Card: NSW Public Records
The Great Southern Line Anzac Story
Inspired by an image of five young railway men who enlisted together in Goulburn in WW1 STA commissioned artist Tracy Luff to create 3 public artworks at Picton, Moss Vale and Goulburn Railway Stations.
Tracy and researcher Mary Hutchison uncovered the hidden stories of the men who worked the railways, went to the war and eventually came home to work the on the rails again. The project explored their lives, homes, families and the overall impact of the War.
Through the project our community can honour the experiences of WWI veterans returning from the war and to recognise the powerful link for many who returned to jobs in the NSW railway network in our region.
NSW Trains and Sydney Trains were with us for every part of the journey, contributing to the working party and supporting the budget of the project. The memorial sculptures were deeded to them as custodians for the future. A key source of funding for the project is the Anzac Centenary Cultural Fund. For the Goulburn Commemorative artworks, funds were also provided by Goulburn Mulwaree Council and the Goulburn Soldiers Club.
Plan your trip to visit the Sculptures using the interactive map at Creative South.
Have a Southern Highlands or Tablelands Soldier or Story for inclusion. Contact Us.
Picton
Moss Vale
Goulburn
5 young railway men enlist together in Goulburn.
Detail
Great Southern Line was a finalist in the 2019 Street Art Awards
Read some of the heart-breaking stories revealed throughout the project.
Robert Muir a special connection
WW1 Soldier Robert Muir worked on the railways in Goulburn before and after the great war. He was a 22 year old bachelor when he enlisted to serve. He was a driver in the Field Ambulance Service and though not hospitalised, was at some point exposed to mustard gas. He met his future wife in Pozieres. At some time during his service on the Somme, Robert visited the Caves of Naour a popular spot for soldiers on leave. The graffiti written by Robert Muir was uncovered by French Archaeologist and author of “Silent Soldiers of Naour” Gilles Prilaux. The graffiti was traced through the Great Southern Line Anzac Story website. STA were able to Mr Prilaux to Robert Muirs daughter Dorothy Edgar and granddaughter Robin Cummins. At the opening of the Goulburn Public Artwork we were able to present Dorothy with an image of her fathers graffiti. See all the Stories
Read the Soldiers Stories
The Goulburn Hub: GSL
The Goulburn Hub: Great Southern Line The stories of returning soldiers on the great southern line: Goulburn, Moss Vale and Picton The stories of railway
William Guthrie: GSL
William Guthrie: Great Southern Line Willam Guthrie Porter, Cleaner, Fireman, Driver Yass, Mittagong, Goulburn (Narromine) War Service record: NAA B2455, GUTHRIE, WJ (Service no.
Robert Lewis Muir: GSL
Robert Lewis Muir: Great Southern Line Started work for NSWGR in Goulburn as a casual engine cleaner in 1915 at the age of 22 and
Joeseph Wade: GSL
Joseph Wade: Great Southern Line 1914 joined NSWGR Goulburn Loco where his older brother John was already employed. Casual engine cleaner. Not clear whether still
John Wade: GSL
John Wade: Great Southern Line Started work at Goulburn Loco as a casual engine cleaner in 1912 aged 20. Permanent from 1913 when became Fireman.
William Charles Wilson: GSL
William Charles Wilson: Great Southern Line Engine cleaner promoted to Fireman 1909 – 1914. Resigned and applied unsuccessfully for re-employment in 1915. At this time
William James: GSL
William James Fitter, Steam Shed Inspector, Divisional Loco Superintendent Goulburn (Junee, head office, Eveleigh) War Service record: NAA B2455, JAMES William (service No. Major) NSWGR Employment
Moss vale Hub: GSL
Moss Vale Hub: Great Southern Line Moss Vale Refreshment Rooms 1890 (left) and 1935 (right). Berrima Image Library, Berrima and District Family Historical Society. Character
Leslie William Smith: GSL
Leslie William Smith: Great Southern Line Started work as a porter at Mittagong in c. 1915, at c. 15 years of age (based on photo
Albert Voller: GSL
Albert Alfred George Voller: Great Southern Line First work for NSWGR was as a ballast packer, then a relief fettler. One of his early jobs
Roy Howard: GSL
Roy James Howard: Great Southern Line Working as a farm labourer around Dalton when he enlisted in Goulburn in March 1916 (possibly kangaroo march) at
Robert Ellerslie Young
Robert Ellerslie Young: Great Southern Line First employed by NSWGR in 1910 as a third class porter at Sydney stations. Promoted to leading porter in
Roy Stanley Hatter: GSL
Roy Stanley Hatter: Great Southern Line First employed by NSWGR as a Junior Porter in Feb 1911 when he was 16. The station is given
John Goldrick: gsl
John Goldrick: Great Southern Line Goldrick’s NSWGR employment card is for work in 1926 as a pickman and concreter at Cockle Creek near Lake Macquarrie.
The Picton Hub: GSL
The Picton Hub: Great Southern Line Character Picton hub’s identity is more metropolitan (80 ks from Sydney) than that of either Moss Vale or Goulburn
Alexander Davies Ingleton: GSL
Alexander Davie Ingleton: Great Southern Line Joined NSWGR in 1908 as temporary porter at Goulburn. Once permanent passed test as shunter and moved to Picton
Reginald Vandebergh: GSL
Reginald Vandenbergh: Great Southern Line Joined NSWGR in 1908 aged 17 as a shop boy at Eveleigh. After six months became a permanent employee and
Ernest George Coulter: GSL
Ernest George Coulter: Great Southern Line Employed as a Cleaner at Eveleigh workshop in 1908 aged 17 (possibly earlier casual work. Promoted to fireman in
Patrick James Phelan: GSL
Patrick James Phelan: Great Southern Line Joined NSWGR at Picton Loco as a Call boy in 1913 when he was 16. He enlisted in 1915
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