Virtual
War Memorial
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Extract from Eulogy for Christian Walter Pedersen by Daughter in Law Annette Pedersen

Christian Walter Pedersen was born in Geelong, the youngest of 8 chrilden. His father died when he was only 18 months old, and his mother struggled to bring up her family living in Warrigul until she later re-married to William Goller from Korumburra. The family eventually moved to the Melbourne suburb Fairfield.

Chris joined the Army in WW2 and served overseas in Egypt, Crete and in New Guinea with the 2nd/6th Battalion. He was injured by shrapnel in his left arm in New Guinea on the 10th July 1945.

A letter sent to Chris's mother from Cpl E.A.Hallam.   A.Coy 2nd/6th A.I.F. Dated 12th July  1945.

Dear Mrs Goller

This is not an easy task writing to someone who you have never had the pleasure of meeting, especially under these circumstances.

You have no doubt heard by now that your son Chris was wounded the other day during an attack, and I wish to assure you that he is quite alright. It was a flesh wound in the left arm and incidentally the envy of our section. You may think it strange for me to say that but jokingly everyone usually says they wish they could get a "homer" through the arm, and the first thing Chris said when he was hit was "she's a homer boys" Yes he will probably be on his way home even as I write and he has the good wishes of the boys of two section with him wherever he goes.

I was speaking to him today and I told him my intentions of writing to you. Typical of Chris, he asked me not to mention anything about his being wounded to you. But as his mother I thought you would like to know how he was doing and what was the extent of the wound.

I wish to assure you that we all miss Chris very much as he was a soldier to the core and a friend to all of us, and, that he has a speedy and complete recovery and will be home with you all very soon.

In all sincerety

Cpl E Hallam and the boys of 2 section

End of letter. Eulogy continues.

Chris's injury required extensive skin grafting, a  lengthy time in hospital and was left with severe nerve pain affecting his left arm. Chris never spoke a lot about his experiences during the war but was troubled by nightmares for many years. Like many who have served on the front line of war, he saw many things one would wish never to see.

Chris met Mary after the war at Preston Town Hall and romance blossomed. On their first date, they were waiting at at separate entrances to the Town Hall Ballroom thinking they were each stood up, but fortunately ran into each other as they went to leave. They were married on April 30th 1949. It was a hot day for April with a strong Nth wind. They shared 57 years together as a couple, and the love and care they had for each other has been an inspiration to their children. 

In the years after the war, as he and Mary were bringing up their two sons Edward and Daryl, Chris worked at Howell Leather in Preston, then as a wood machinist, making shoe lasts. His last workplace was at Sylon, in Keon Park, working with aluminium products. His injury to his arm hindered him in his work, but he always persevered, making a living for the family. 

Chris welcomed his two daughters' in law. First Eddie's Annette in 1974 then Daryl's Sharyn in 1977. He kept them on their toes with his cheeky remarks, and in turn they would stir him up - all enjoying the interaction.

Chris was thrilled with the arrival of his 5 grandchildren - Eddie's 2 girls, Kate & Colleen and Daryl's 3 chrildren - Brett, Shaun and Samantha. They in turn enjoyed spending time with their grandparents.

Chris always loved having a dog around the home, from the boisterous Kleptomaniac Labrador, Sandy in the 70's, then his little terrier Timmy ( widely known for his cat chasing tendencies) in the 80's and in later years Pekinese dogs, Snoopy and  Beau.

He and Mary were grieving the death of their beloved Pekinese Beau, and unfortunately while waiting to welcome a new furry friend Coco, Chris passed away.

Mary was saddened that Chris didn't get to meet Coco.

After retirement, Chris's health was challenged by several illnesses. His ability to walk distances became difficult, but with the purchase of a mobility scooter allowed him to move around his neighbourhood independently, plus take the dog "Beau" with him. Many of his neighbours will remember the sight of Chris. with the Peke poking its head out of the scooter basket, scooting past them with a cheery wave.

Although his physical health deteriorated, Chris still had a sharp mind and kept abreast of current affairs - listening to the radio, watching the news and programmes such as Landline and reading the newspaper. He enjoyed a good discussion, although politics sometimes was a hot topic.

Chris was a private man of strong character, who faced many challenges in his life and suffered much pain. He would never dwell on his problems and many people who met him were not aware of the difficulties he was facing.

He was cared for wonderfully by Mary in the past few years. Her response when her care for Chris was praised was "that is what you do, when you love someone".

Chris passed away at Warringal Hospital, Heidelberg. Victoria. on the 9th August 2006