The clues are tantalisingly few – “Harry and myself, Palastine 1946” – but former Lockyer Valley resident Kate Stark hopes they will be enough to identify two lonely photos she is looking after.
The pair of photos, one of the unknown lad in his formal army uniform printed by Photo Lion, Gaza, and the other of the same young man in informal dress with “Harry” standing behind him, were found in a clear plastic sleeve at an Anzac Day service in Gatton in 2009, and handed in to the Gatton Star newspaper office.
Since then Kate, a former employee, now with Fairfax Media, has tried numerous time to reunite the black and white photos with their owner, through the local paper and with the assistance of the State Library of Queensland, with no luck.
“I’ve been hoping someone might come forward to claim what, I feel, is not only an important piece of family memorabilia but a somewhat priceless piece of Australian war history.
“I kept them safely tucked away in the hope of one day tracking down the original owner.
“They’re a beautiful part of history but they’re not my history.”
Kate is hoping someone will recognise the boys' faces or remember losing the pictures.
If this story sparks a glint of recognition, people can contact Kate at kate.stark@fairfaxmedia.com.au or by ringing 07 3826 8263.
