A FRAMED photograph of three World War I enlistees destined for the tip if not for the intervention of Wagga man Jack Whyte is set to be returned to the rightful family.

Mr Whyte bought the frame at a garage sale more than 20 years ago fearing it might otherwise be dumped.

Last month he appealed through The Daily Advertiser for relatives of the three men to come forward.

The Advertiser received telephone calls and emails from people throughout NSW and Victoria, leading to Lockhart Shire Council deputy mayor Rodger Schirmer and his mum, Gwen.

Mrs Schirmer is the daughter of one of the men in the frame, James Harry Heymes.

 Also in the frame is James’s brother Gilbert and his step-brother George Burkett.

George’s mother Elizabeth Burkett married James’s and Gilbert’s father James Heymes senior after the death of her first husband.

Councillor Schirmer said his grandfather farmed at Bidgemia for years and is buried in Lockhart.

He said he remembered his grandfather talking about how he had been discharged from military service because of flat feet and Gilbert’s death in France.

Mr Whyte said he was happy the photos would go to the Schirmer family as they appeared to be the most directly related.