Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

I know little about my Great Grandfather other than what has been handed down from family history as his great grandson and appreciation as a veteran myself.

Glancing over his service record, he was a driver delivering resources, supplies and ammunition to 3rd Battalion on the frontline. In doing so he was WIA on several occasions but returned and continued to do his duty for remainder of the war.

Often overlooked, the drivers were crucial in continuing the fight and were in the thick of it. An extract from C. E. W. Bean’s Official History, Volume IV gives some idea of their courage and perseverance under fire "These Australians (the drivers) had won themselves a special name on the battlefield for the way in which they went straight through the nightmare barrages laid on the well known tracks which they and their horses had to follow. Where many might hesitate, these men realised that the loss would be less, and the job better done, if they pushed on without hesitation".

I am extremely proud, as his great grandson, Australian and veteran forever indebted to him and men like him that made up ANZACs.

After the war my great grandfather RTA, married and had two girls, however was so damaged from the horrors of war that he eventually left his family for a solitary life in the outback as a Jackeroo and boundary rider.

Unfortunately, I never met my great grandfather to thank him for his sacrifice but I do remember.

Lest we Forget.