Regional military historian Pam Cupper said the interest stemmed from the connections discovered during the Horsham Historical Society’s research into the men involved in the First World War from the region.  

“Western Victorian men served in all locations where Australians served,” she said.

“We intend to visit sites of particular significance including Fromelles where many of the region’s men saw their first action and many killed within minutes.”     

Ms Cupper said the tour also extended to people with family connections. 

“As we travel throughout the former Western Front we will be visiting locations associated with relatives of those on the tour,” she said.

“Some will visit the sites of their father’s or grandfather’s service or locate the graves or memorials of those that died on the front.” 

She said the journey would begin at the Centenary Commemoration of the Third Battle of Ypres.

Residents from Horsham, Dimboola, Hopetoun and Kaniva are participating in the tour.