Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Roy was raised in humble surrounds and when asked by his father, by mail, then away fighting in WWI, to be 'head of the family', he undertook the responsibilty with earnst. This quality was a hallmark of Roy during his life; not afraid to commit to help others and especially as a family man.

Roy started his apprenticeship when seventeen at Clyde Engineering, Aurban, Sydney, and earned the qualification of Fitter and Turner working in the main workshop.

Roy was a keen tennis player, not bad by some accounts, and enjoyed the competion and social contact it brought playing on his his parents tennis court in Girraneen, in Western Sydney.

He also was a keen motorbike rider and on occasions the lure of speed saw him racing his Indian Scout at the old Penrith Raceway. No trophies, but some hair-raising fun.

Married in 1936 saw Roy build the family home in Northmead that still stands, as built. He also stared to work for Howard Tractors, also located in Northmead.

Raised in a family of stauch patriots; his father, uncles and Granfather all served their country, saw him join the RAAF not long after the outbreak of WWII in 1939. He was posted to 1AD Laverton to start his training as an Aircraftsman Engine Fitter.

During his six years with the RAAF, Roy served in a number of different locations in Australia, including Melbourne, Parks, and Townsville, and then to Port Morsby, PNG, as a member of 36 Sqdn when he was promoted to Warrant Officer.

On de-mob in 1946 and returning home, finding work was very difficult. With a family of five to look after, Roy lent his had at various jobs before eventually returning to Howard Tractors, where he remained until his retirement as Production Manger in 1977.