At yesterday's launch of a project to detail the history of the Otago Mounted Rifles, editors Dr Don Mackay and Dr Aaron Fox said the contribution of personal accounts from soldiers who served with the regiment would transform the book from a "scholastic account to a social history".
The book's intended launch date of April 2010 would coincide with the 95th anniversary of the regiment's deployment at Gallipoli, Dr Mackay said.
The venue of yesterday's project launch had special significance for the regiment, which was disbanded in the 1950s.
On November 4, 1864, members of the Otago Hussars met at what is now the Wine Cellars Bar, on Stafford St, for the first discussion about the formation of the Otago Mounted Rifles.
The pair said a display on the regiment's history would tour museums and other Southern locations next year.
The project will have special significance for Dr Mackay, whose great-grandfather served with the regiment at Gallipoli.
A trust has been established to oversee the funding of research and writing costs, the expense of the touring display and publicity associated with the project.
A feature article on the project will appear in the Otago Daily Times on Saturday.
