By Bronwyn Hastings

Sally Bertram has been inducted into the RSL 10A Sub-Branches of Victoria hall of fame for her contribution at Horsham. 

Known as ‘the lady in red’, Mrs Bertram has volunteered at the branch for about 11 years, researching and writing the stories of soldiers and facilitating anniversary events and visits for community groups. 

“You get a lot of feedback and it’s just great – I do it because I love doing it, it’s what I’ve always liked to do,” she said.

Mrs Bertram has led radio interviews, written articles for print media, and traced her own family’s military history back to Vignacourt, France, where her grandfather Robert Edward Charles served during World War I. 

“He was part of the delegation who got the RSL going here again after it went into recess after the First World War,” Mrs Bertram said.

“He was president here for six years in the 1930s, so I think my involvement is because of him, it’s part of me.”

Mr Charles has been honoured with a tree planted near Horsham’s cenotaph, and he was part of a rare, international find.

“About 3000 glass slides were found in a barn in France about 30 years ago, and now they’re in the Canberra war memorial,” Mrs Bertram said.

“My grandfather is in one of the photos.”

Mrs Bertram has been a Horsham sub and general committee member, chief researcher and is currently appeals officer.

“Since 2015, I have continued to write the military history, which was started by a beautiful man called Jim Amos,” she said.

“We do research for families – anything military, really – and compile soldiers’ stories. There are a lot of stories, each story takes about five hours, but families appreciate that.”

In 2015, Mrs Bertram played a key role in co-ordinating the Centenary of Service Gallipoli exhibition, presented to about 600 school children and Indigenous groups 

Titled ‘Spirits of the Past – The Wimmera at War’, the exhibition showcased a rich collection of memorabilia and service records. 

In 2018, she led another significant exhibition, commemorating the signing of the Armistice that ended the First World War. 

The display honoured the enduring service and sacrifice of Australia’s military personnel and drew recognition from dignitaries including the then Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester and former Horsham Mayor Pam Clarke.

Mrs Bertram regularly curates military displays featuring memorabilia donated by families, connecting the region’s veterans.

She said she nearly ‘fell off her seat’ when she heard of her induction.

“But as I said, it depends on the people around you – if you have them around you, helping you, you can get this,” she said.

“I love doing this stuff and working with these guys.”

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