Lest we forget Bungendore's band of brothers

Between 1914 and 1918, when town and district would have been hard pressed to muster more than 1000 citizens, the little community sent 114 men and four women to Europe and the Middle East.

Of these 25 were killed on the battlefield or died of wounds or disease. Many more returned home broken in body, mind or spirit.

Historians say there was nothing unique about Bungendore's sacrifice; it was representative of the numbers communities of a similar size sent out and received back.

The photograph, taken early in 1916, brings Bungendore's heroes alive in a way no words ever could.

Three of the 11 men proudly pictured with the Australian flag did not return.

That sacrifice is still remembered by their descendants who met to share their stories at the Bungendore War Memorial earlier this month.

Andrew Chinnery, 52, whose great uncle "Bren" Chinnery was one of the dead, said the men knew they must step up when a job had to be done.

Mr Chinnery said while some Australians make light of the diggers' decision to fight for the Empire that was the way things were in 1914-1918.

"It was their decision; they were doing what they chose to do and we should respect that," he said.