Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of George and Emma Linford, Arcadia, Victoria

One of Stanhope's most highly esteemed residents, in the person of Mr. William James Linford, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday of last week, at Mooroopna  Hospital, to where he had been admitted on the previous Saturday. Deceased, who was 57 years of age, was born at Geelong, his parents being the late George and Emma Linford. The family came to Arcadia and engaged in farming, and it was from that district, at the age of 22 years, that the late Mr. Linford enlisted for the First World War. He  served as a member of the Eighth Light Horse Regiment in Egypt and Palestine. He returned home in 1919, and was one of the first soldiers to settle at Stanhope. He married Miss Caroline Florence Reeves, of Kyabram, in 1921.

For a time he resided in other provincial towns, including Benalla, before returning to Stanhope, from where he enlisted in 1940 for service in the Second World War. He served as  a transport driver on garrison duties. His aggregate service in the two wars was 10 years. Deceased took an active interest in the affairs of the Stanhope sub branch of the R.S.L.,  and as a member of the hall committee. He was a keen football enthusiast, and was a member and former player of the Stanhope club. Right up to recent weeks he has officiated  as goal umpire for the club, and was looked upon as a most capable official.

Possessed of a friendly and affable disposition, deceased had formed many friendships, and his passing is mourned by many, in cluding his widow, son Allan, daughter Joan (Mrs.  M. Auld), and grandchildren Lynette and Jimmy. Surviving brothers and sisters are Robert and Sydney (Stanhope), Dorothy (Mrs. Syd Saunders, Kyabram), Gertrude (Mrs.. S.  Hamilton, Tatura). Beatrice (Mrs. Milton, Melbourne).

Prior to the very lengthy cortege leaving St. Matthew's Church of England, Stanhope, on Friday, the Rev. Rodgers conducted an impressive service. Outside the Church, the  flower-bearers, comprising members of the Stanhope R.S.L. and Football Club, formed a guard of honor through which the casket was borne to the hearse, which then proceeded  to the Kyabram cemetery.
Coffin-bearers were Messrs. F. Taylor, A. Laws, C. Gustavson, J. Stokes, S. Collins, A. Cowie, Pall- bearers: Messrs. G. Reeves. A. Reeves, R. Linford, S. Saunders, Theo Howard, N. Crooks. The Rev. Rodgers officiated at the graveside, whilst Mr. N. Crooks delivered the R.S.L. service, the 'Last Post' being sounded by Mr. L. Clapp.