Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

James Heny Croker was born in Walthamstow England on 10/3/1905
The Croker family lived at 51 Shakespeare Rd Walthamstow London prior to their move to Australia in 1912 & 1913

James’s father and older brother George Edward (9yr) departed and arrived in Melbourne Australia on the ship Chemnity in 1912.

James, (6yr), his younger brother Edwin George (1yr) and their mother Louisa (nee Jones) departed England and arrived in Melbourne on the ship Indrapura in 1913

Edwin & Louisa’s had lost their only daughter Louisa Lavinia 1906-1907 in London.

They settle at 52 Mirams Street Ascot Vale. Two more sons are born at this house, Thomas Albert 7/6/1915-4/2/2005 and Alfred Sydney 21/2/1918-27/8/1997.

I think James went to Ascot Vale Primary school Banks Street.

There was a new school built in 1920 closer to their house, Ascot Vale West primary school where I believe the two younger brothers Alfred (VX91703) & Thomas Albert may have attended.

The 1927 electoral roll showed James’s parents at 52 Miram Street Ascot Vale, but James was living 3 doors down at 46 Mirams Street. “Listed as a machinist”

In 1928 James followed his brother George into the RAAF.

Like most families, the great depression of 1929/30 took its toll on the Croker’s.
The 1931 electoral roll showed, Mother Louisa, and brothers George Edward Airman & Edwin George Electrician have joined James Machinist, at 46 Mirams Street along with Alfred at (13).

Their father Edwin, had venture to the other side of Melbourne, to Lilydale, to work as a Cabinet Maker around 1929/30, taking the second youngest son Thomas age 14 who had just finished his schooling with him as a helper/labourer.

James’s father, Edwin never returning back to the family in Ascot vale. Thomas does return to Ascot Vale some years later.

“Thomas in the next 60 years up until his death, never once mentioned his father in a kind way, or at length, suggesting ill feelings. and one has to wonder if this was the thoughts of all his sons?”

It seems James had decided to follow older brother George Edward (03409) into the RAAF. James (1321)

In 1930, the brothers are established. Two in the RAAF and Edwin with the State Electricity Commission as an Electrician. Thomas in Lilydale and Alfred at school.

James spent 6 years 1928-1934 until his discharge.

Jame married Edna Nellie Alves 11/4/1936 and had one son Russell Geoffery 1942.

James & Edna are shown as newsagent proprietors, firstly in Pascoe Vale Road Essendon.

Then in a shop at 108 Victoria St Footscray. They are shown living at 19 Fielding Street Yarraville.

The pressure of the businesses took its toll on James, having a breakdown.

On his recovery, James then used his newsagency skills and worked as a stationary supplies’ sales representative.

James & Edna have then retired to Queensland, where James enjoyed his bowls until his passing 27/11/1973 at the relatively young age of 68.

Brian Croker Nephnew