Veterans SA is trying to reunite the portraits of World War Two veterans with their families following the success of the Wish Me Luck exhibition during the Anzac Centenary.
On Anzac Day 2015, the Australian Institute of Professional Photography embarked on a nationwide project for the Anzac Centenary to photograph Australia’s surviving World War II veterans.
In South Australia alone 1050 portraits were taken over a seven-month period. Presenting a selection of these works, the Wish Me Luck exhibition provided a snapshot of our remaining South Australian men and women who served in World War II, honouring their service and the service of those who are no longer with us.
The “Wish me luck – Honouring our WWII Veterans” exhibition featured 100 photographic portraits of South Australians who had served in World War II. The portraits were selected from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography’s (AIPP) special Anzac Centenary “Reflections” project.
The exhibition was launched at the Flinders University City Gallery in July 2016 and Wish Me Luck was exhibited at the Chaffey Theatre, Renmark in March 2017 and the Main Corner Complex in Mount Gambier from 28 June to 30 July 2017, as part of a regional tour of South Australia.
Update 21 July 2021:
We have had an amazing response to our recent call-outs for assistance in locating World War Two veterans or their families so that we can provide them with their portraits taken as part of the “Wish Me Luck” exhibition during the Anzac Centenary.
Thanks to the assistance of the public, we have been able to return 33 of the 34 portraits that were still in our possession a couple of months ago. There is only one portrait remaining!
Veterans SA is seeking contact details for Mr Arthur Kent (service number 429232) or his next of kin to arrange for his portrait to be returned. Please let us know via Tel: (08) 8463 7140 or veteranssa@sa.gov.au if you can assist.
