Soldier Settlement in NSW
The Returned Soldier Settlement Act 1916 allowed the settlement of returned soldiers on Crown and Closer Settlement lands. Soldier settlement repatriation schemes were promoted as a pathway for some of the 300,000 returned servicemen and women to secure land ownership and financial independence. Although 40,000 men and women took up of the offer of farming land through these schemes, fewer than half remain on the land 15 years later.
This webinar will explore records in the NSW State Archives Collection that tell the stories of these soldier settlers. Learn more about the individuals who participated in the scheme, and how you can research these men and women in our collection.
Soldier Settlement guide
A list of the main land records in our collection that relate to returned soldier settlement after World War I. The passage of the Returned Soldiers Settlement Act 1916, (Act No 21 1916) allowed the settlement of returned soldiers on Crown and Closer Settlement lands. When applying for land, an ex-serviceman was required to complete a Qualification Certificate which was a declaration of his or her status as an ex-service person and eligibility for land
Photos of soldier settlements
These photos show returned soldiers clearing the land, constructing houses, and carrying out farming activities on soldier settlements established following World War 1
- Friday 25 April 10.30am–11.30am