Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Trevor Essenhigh was born in the winter of 1923 on the 12th July, the seventh of 9 children.
Young Trevor’s early life was filled with new experiences and lots of love from his older brothers and sisters. He attended Lima State School where he completed his Merit level. Trevor then continued his education at Benalla High School. On leaving school he took up work at the Swanpool Butter Factory. It was while working here he earned his boiler certificate. However all that was put on the backburner when on February 14, 1942, Trevor enlisted in the Australia Army.
Trevor entered camp at Camp Pell, (Royal Park), Victoria, where he underwent his ‘physical’ had his shots and was kitted out with his uniform, boots, blanket etc. Shortly after this he was transferred to the 120th Australian General Transport (A.G.T) Company at Fisherman’s Bend. Here, the now Private Trevor Essenhigh No VX 113350 was taught to drive trucks and how to do the necessary maintenance required to keep them operational. After his ‘breaking in’ period he, along with most of the 120th AGT, were sent to Adelaide to be incorporated into the 121st AGT.
From a personal dairy the following was recorded: ‘Arrived Alice Springs 13th January 1943. Left on the first convoy 5th February for Mataranka, 670 miles north. At the end of second trip, very sick. Put into Alice Springs Hospital – 7th March to 24th April, had yellow jaundice. 29th April – 13th May on guard at the Alice Springs jail. 15th May back on convoy work (most trips to the rail head at Larrimah). 4th April to the 26th May attached as a driver to Ealing Studios while they made the film “The Overlanders” – Leave due so back to unit. Company moved to near Adelaide River – After a few days Private Essenhigh received his leave papers and was on his way to Melbourne. He arrived at Spencer St Station two days before the war ended.
After his leave was up he transferred back to the 120th A.G.T. at Fisherman’s Bend. Here he was given his discharge papers on October 29, 1946.
Trevor served 1661 days in the Australian Army and received the following: Australian Service Medal and War Medal 1939-45.
Trevor returned to Lima and recommenced work at the Swanpool Butter Factory. The time was now right for Trevor to indulge in his love of sports. He played cricket for the Swanpool team during summer and football for the Swanpool Football Club in winter.
Trevor played football in the Swanpool side from 1947 to 1957. This included being in two premiership teams and several final appearances. He was Captain/coach in 1953 and was secretary in 1957/58.
The year 1950 was significant as he was to marry Gwenda Pike at St Thomas’ Church Moonee Ponds, Melbourne on the 20th May.
After their marriage they took up residence in one of the Butter Factory houses, late they shifted back to the family farm. In the meantime Trevor and Gwen had two children, Ian (2/2/1951) and Sandra (19/10/1952).
A move to Melbourne in the 60’s saw Trevor working at the Sunbeam factory, however the call of the country was still strong, so a further move later, saw Trevor shift to Wombat Forest at Daylesford.
Here he passed away on the 4th January 2010.