General News
11 May, 2026
Derek’s family history quest
A DECADE long journey into his family history has led to a powerful and emotional Anzac tribute for Derek Drysdale, who last week returned to Wedderburn to honour a long-lost relative.
A DECADE long journey into his family history has led to a powerful and emotional Anzac tribute for Derek Drysdale, who last week returned to Wedderburn to honour a long-lost relative.
Frederick Cairns Drysdale, a Wedderburn-born soldier, was killed in action aged 23 while serving with the Australian Imperial Force in Belgium in 1917 during World War One.
A framed handkerchief with a epitaph to the fallen soldier was donated to the Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL sub-branch.
The Unknown Widow by artist Sacha de Wit in collaboration with performer Kirshy McAinch, both Royal Australian Navy veterans, was in a collection of 66 embroidered handkerchiefs containing words from soldiers’ epitaphs.
It was displayed at the Wedderburn Mechanics’ Hall and Literary Institute as part of last year’s Loddon Valley Arts Festival.
After more than 25 years researching his family tree, Mr Drysdale said he was “over the moon” to be invited to take part in a commemorative project recognising his relative’s life.
The connection came after organisers, searching cemetery records, identified a family plot in Wedderburn Cemetery.
“I got a phone call asking all sorts of questions to prove who I was and how I was connected,” Mr Drysdale said. “That led to a conversation about my family tree, and I was able to confirm the links straight away.”
His research uncovered generations of relatives previously unknown to the family, including Frederick Cairns Drysdale.
“My mother had never even heard of him,” he said. “Finding these people and their stories has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve loved every minute of it.”
What began as a personal interest developed into a passion project following a workplace accident, giving Mr Drysdale the time to immerse himself in family history research.
“I had the time, and I just threw myself into it,” he said.
“Now I even help other people with their family trees - it’s amazing the connections you find.”
Among those discoveries was an unexpected link while researching for a local chiropractor.
“We found out his fourth great-aunt married one of my fourth great-uncles,” he said.
“So you just never know how people are connected.”
The invitation to attend the Anzac tribute, which featured a commemorative handkerchief created by Sasha DeWitt, proved to be an emotional highlight.
“When I read about the project, I actually started to cry,” he said.
“It’s such a beautiful way to honour people and tell their stories.”
Seeing the finished piece in person made an even greater impact. “The photo that I was sent didn’t do it justice — it’s absolutely beautiful when you see it framed,” he said.
The tribute carried added personal significance.
“My grandfather was born on Anzac Day, so it felt like the perfect time,” he said. “To be here, back in Wedderburn, and to be part of this — it means so much.”
Mr Drysdale said the moment was not just personal, but something he shared with family past and present.
“I would like to thank my mum, Margaret, and other family members Lynette and Judy for traveling with me,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier. I feel so honoured to be part of this history.”
As part of his contribution, Mr Drysdale also donated a detailed folder of family research, including photographs of cemetery and gravesites, to Wedderburn Korong Vale RSL sub-branch president Roger Paterson.
Read More: Wedderburn, Loddon Shire