TOO much Australian history is being thrown into skip bins, according to a Wagga man who wants to return portrait photographs of three World War I soldiers to their family.
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Jack Whyte bought the framed photos at a garage sale in Wagga about 20 or even 30 years ago.
It is just one of an impressive collection of military memorabilia he has collected from a wide range of places over the years, including a Great War honour roll of woolclassers he picked up at the old Aussie Junk shop at the Wagga tip.
Mr Whyte believes these historical items are too valuable to throw out, but he fears too many other people don't share his view.
"It goes in the big blue bin, the skip bin," Mr Whyte said.
"But it's history, isn't it, and why should something like this be thrown away?" he said of the photos
"Once it's thrown away it's gone, it's finished."
Mr Whyte said he bought the photos with the aim of keeping them "alive" and now he is winding down his collection he is keen for the item to be returned to its rightful owners.
The photos are of Private James Harry Heyme, Driver G Burkett and Private Gilbert T Heyme.
Some information about the men is written underneath their portraits.
Pte James Heyme enlisted in November, 1916, and was discharged just two months later.
Driver Burkett, of the 10th Machine Gun Company, sailed from Australia in May, 1916.
Pte Gilbert Heyme, of B Company 22nd Battalion, was killed in action on August 5, 1916.
With the help of a neighbour, Mr Whyte has done some research on the trio and thinks they may be related.
He also thinks there may be family links to the Riverina.
"It's better to be in their family than sitting in my garage," Mr Whyte said of the photos.
"I hope someone can give it a home or knows them."
Do you know the family of the three soldiers? If so, telephone 6938 3337.
