Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Gerald Frederick Atkins (Gerry’s Story)
Gerald was born in Merewether Newcastle on the

11th February 1928, he was the youngest of six children. His father Frederick George Atkins was from Hinton NSW and was a master baker
His mother Edith Alberta (Milligan) was from Muswellbrook NSW and was a gate keeper
The family moved to Sydney and settled into the family home at 26 Clyde St Randwick. Gerald attended Randwick Public and then Randwick Boys high School;
he excelled at Maths and was the DUX of the school.
While at school Gerry had several jobs, delivering milk and hanging off the back of a truck delivering newspapers. He also spent time at the stables where a lot of his friends were jockeys and stable boys.
At the age of 16, World War II was raging Gerry quit school and tried to enlist in the Royal Australian Navy and was politely told to come back when old enough. Not to be deterred he went and joined the American Army Transportation Corps known as the Merchant Marines as a merchant seaman. They enlisted anyone from 15 to 70. He served on the armed American Cargo Vessel SS Norlago, these small fleet ships transported supplies to New Guinea and other islands in the war zone.
He received a honourable discharge after contracting Malaria and dengue fever. He returned home where his mother cared for him.
Gerry now aged 17 enlisted in Royal Australian Navy, trained at HMAS Cerberus then serving as seaman on HMAS HOBART, 1945 to 1947
Gerald when not scrubbing the decks or other duties, was a member of the forward B turret gun crew he might have liked firing the guns.
While still serving in Royal Australian Navy and after the war HMAS Hobart was part of the Australian Squadron, in support of the occupation forces in Japan. He went to Nagasaki Japan where the second atomic bomb was dropped. His memories were of a city totally flattened except for the concrete post office in the Centre of City.
Gerry rarely spoke about his times in the Navy but would reflect on how hard it was on the ships and away from family for long periods of time. He would attend the Anzac Day services and spend time with his friends at the Bondi Junction RSL.
Gerry met the lovely Dorothy Searle (Dottie) while serving with the Merchant Marines, they both had the same interests, the beach, football, hanging out at the dance halls, and having a beer, they married on September 9th 1950 at St Jude’s, Anglican Church in Randwick. Gerry was aged 22 and Dorothy 20 and had three wonderful children James, Robert & Suzanne. They settled into the family home in Figtree Ave Randwick. Gerry and Dorothy divorced nearly 20 years later but remained good friends and always had the welfare of Jim, Robert and Sue as a top priority. He was over the moon when Natalie, his first grandchild arrived, followed by Blake, Emma, Shellie and Charlie, then his two adorable great grandchildren, Harrison and Lewis.

He was lovingly known as Pop or Poppy Gerry.
Gerry met Rose in the late 80’s and they were very happy together for many years until sadly she passed away.
He had several occupations post war ranging from a Labourer, Cellarman to a gardener for the Randwick Council. He even had a go at being an SP bookie, before settling at David Graphics for more than 33 years.
Gerry was the happiest when with family and friends at the beach, football matches, and having a punt on The horses, having a drink and smoke and a playing cards with his mates at The DOG, The Cloey and The Coach and Horses. Another highlight for Gerry was catching up with his brother Aurb and nephews Warren and Alan at the Royal Hotel.
He ended up quitting smoking and gambling in his late 40s but still loved his beer.
His other favourite watering holes to visit were the Bondi Junction RSL and the Labour Club at Randwick where he made some wonderful lifelong friends.
He did have the loudest voice when cheering for his favourite football team. We can remember him screaming Easts, Easts for the Sydney Roosters, and unfortunately for Jim and Robert who played for the Clovelly Junior League he would do the same, yelling and screaming out go the Clovelly. He was a huge supporter of Cloey football team, helping with all the fundraisers, including his favourite events, the poker nights.
After his retirement Gerald was happy to be with his family and was always visiting us with little care packages, he loved a bargain at the shops. He did miss working and applied for a part time job at the university press, he told them he was 72 but in fact he was 80 and was employed on the spot where he worked another 6 years.
Gerry enjoyed his retirement by meeting his friends at the club (gods waiting room), as he called it) and visiting family.
Unfortunately he then suffered a series of strokes and could not live at his home any longer. He then moved into Summit Care at Waverley where he was cared for and loved for 6 years.
After every conversation with Gerry, he would always say thank you or thank you for visiting. He was a true gentleman until the end.
He will be truly missed.

Gerry's Story Contridutions from -

James - Robert & Suzanne Atkins