Remembering lives lost in World War I

The New Norfolk Cenotaph.

THE 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I will be observed at two main events in the Derwent Valley this weekend.

Tickets to the Armistice Ball at the Lachlan Community Hall tonight (Saturday) will be available at the door from 7pm.

Tomorrow (Sunday) morning will see the main observance take place at the Cenotaph in Circle St, New Norfolk, where the New Norfolk RSL will conduct a service.

World War I started with considerable excitement in 1914 but four long years of total warfare took its toll on Tasmania, with more than 3000 of the island's men losing their lives to the conflict. The Armistice was signed in Europe at 5am on November 11, 1918, but it was late in the night before the news reached Australia.

Hostilities ceased on November 11, which became known as Armistice Day (now Remembrance Day) but the peace treaty was not signed for another seven months, which is why many memorials including the New Norfolk Cenotaph (pictured) carry the dates 1914-19, but others including the New Norfolk State School honour roll (below, at New Norfolk Primary School) has 1914-18.

Entry to tonight's Armistice Ball at the Lachlan Community Hall will cost $25 per person, which includes supper. The commemorative event will honour those involved in World War I with music and dress from that era. The music and dancing starts at 7.30pm and there will be a supper and re-enactment of the announcement of the Armistice later in the night.

In New Norfolk tomorrow morning the main Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph will start at 10.45am. This will be followed by a light lunch at the RSL Club in George St, all welcome.

New Norfolk Cenotaph.

New Norfolk Primary School roll.