Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Charles Wallace WELLS, 87 Giblin Street, New Town, Tasmania.

Husband of Marjorie Dulcie Reece WELLS, 36 Cromwell Street, Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania.

Remarried Audrey WELLS in 1977

Colin is a veteran of the Second World War. Before his service, he worked as a clerk in the Army canteen service at Anglesea Barracks in Hobart. In October 1942, Colin enlisted in the Australian Army and was posted to the Tasmania Force Band, playing the trumpet. In July 1943, Colin joined the Australian Imperial Force, making it possible to see service overseas. He was hoping to seek a combat role but, because of his musical ability, he spent his war service in Army bands. Colin had postings throughout Australia and also spent 2 months at Rabaul in New Britain with the 1st Australian Entertainment Unit.

In October 1946, Colin was discharged from the Army. After a few months out of work, he was hired as a musician at the Royal Ballroom Hobart and Francois Fouche’s nightclub. For most of his adult life, Colin was a member of the Pearce Pickering Barrelhouse Jazz band bringing life to Friday and Saturday nights in several of Hobart’s jazz venues. He was a fan of ‘Satchmo’ (Louis Armstrong) who he met and played for in the 1960s.

Colin played the Last Post at Dawn Services for the AIF Originals Association. From age 9 until 19, he also played the Last Post at Hobart’s Anzac Day Dawn Services at the War Memorial on Hobart’s Domain.

In 1977, Colin married Audrey and he has one child and 4 stepchildren. Sadly, Audrey passed away in 2016.

Colin says his long life can be attributed to ‘good friendships and relationships and staying happy’.