Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Candido Celeste Mazzarol, often called Candy, was a WW1 veteran whose life story is marked with perseverance and resilience. Born on the 26th of April, 1897, in Mannum, South Australia, Candido faced many challenges and difficulties, particularly during the war. Despite his struggles, he rebuilt his life, creating a loving family and a successful career as a poultry farmer. 

He was the second-born son of Giuseppe (Joseph) and Lily Mazzarol. His father, a stonemason, who emigrated from Northern Italy when he was young, had contributed a lot to the architectural landscape of Mannum with his artistry. Candido attended Adelaide Boys High School, and later got his first job as a clerk.

World War 1 started in 1914 and he enlisted for the military on the 20th of August, 1915 at 18 years old. After 9 months of rigorous training at the Gawler Racecourse and further preparation in Maribyrnong, Victoria, He embarked on the HMT Medic, heading overseas. He was based at Larkhill, England, but later deployed to France to serve as a despatch rider with the 3rd Signal Company and the 8th Field Artillery Bridge. His bravery was recognized on April 24, 1918, when he was awarded the Military Medal for repairing communication lines under heavy shellfire near the River Ancre and River Somme. He got a bullet wound on his right arm a few months later on the 22nd of October and also suffered shrapnel wounds. Because of this, he was deported back to his initial base in England to recover.

After returning to Fremantle, Western Australia, on March 31st, 1919, Candido rekindled his relationship with Muriel Beasley after meeting her before leaving for France in 1916. They kept in touch over the years and decided to get married in 1921. They settled in Alford near Kadina and Wallaroo, where they ran a general store together. The couple had three daughters, Dorothy was born at Nurse Green’s Nursing Home on King Street, Daveron Park in 1922. Kathleen, their second child, was born at Wallaroo Hospital in 1924. Their last daughter, Betty, was born in Trinity Gardens in 1928. Before Betty was born, Candido began working as a commercial traveller at C.C. Wakefield & Co., an oil company. His job required extensive travel across the mid-north, taking orders for fuel and oil. However, the Great Depression hit hard in 1929, leading to the loss of his job. The Mazzarols had to sell their home and move in with Muriel’s parents in Jacob Street, Gawler. The house is where the Drakes supermarket is now located. In the garden stood a young Norfolk Island pine which later, when fully grown became Gawler’s Christmas tree.

To support his family, Candido set up a poultry farm in the back paddock of Muriel’s sister’s and her husband’s farm after the couple had lent him some space. He spent most nights living in a tent while tending to his poultry. He only came home some nights and on weekends. In 1932, the family moved to a rental in Gawler South. Beside the house, there was a vacant block, Mazzarol moved his poultry farm there and grew lucerne to feed his poultry fresh greens. In 1933, his kids were involved in a Toy Maker’s Shop Concert.

While working full-time, looking after his poultry farm, Candido helped out his father-in-law, James Beasley, at the Gawler Institute Library by doing the evening sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays as a side hustle. James passed away on Christmas Eve, 1933, and the library was signed over to Candido’s name. For over a decade, Candido kept working at the library and the poultry farm until later when he partnered up with his first daughter, Dorothy, and Len Graetz, her husband, allowing them to take over the poultry farm. At the same time, he still spent most of his time at the library. 1951, Candido, Muriel, Dorothy, and Len Graetz, purchased a small property in Loos (now known as Buchfelde), 6km from Gawler. The property was established as an egg-producing poultry farm, where Candido assisted Len, his son-in-law, as much as he could, using his knowledge to raise the poultry.

As well as helping out on the poultry farm and working in the Library, Candido found time to serve as a secretary of the Gawler Agricultural, Horticultural and Floricultural Society and was made a life member in recognition of his service. He also served as a member and committee member of the Gawler Trotting Club and was awarded life membership.

In June 1955, while working late one night at the library, Candido suffered a severe stroke, leading him to lay there, unable to move, until the next day at 7 pm when a group came to the library and found the door locked, hearing him crying out, they had to break in and call for help. He was paralysed from the right side down and had to go to Adelaide for rehabilitation until he could walk again by dragging his foot but he was still unable to move his right arm. He was cared for by his daughters until he needed further care at Julia Farr Centre. Candido spent his final years under care at the Centre, where he could visit Muriel who was already there because of her Multiple Sclerosis. He later passed away on December 23, 1960, at 63, leaving his wife and three daughters. His funeral was a day later on Christmas Eve at the Willaston Cemetery.

Candido Celeste Mazzarol’s life was a rich tapestry of courage, dedication, and community service. From his heroic efforts during World War I to his unwavering commitment to his family and community, Candido left a lasting legacy. He lived a life with honour and resilience even when he faced many setbacks that would’ve led anyone to quit. He spent his life fighting for what was right and taking care of his family while balancing multiple jobs at a time. His story is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Bibliography

https://gawlerhistory.com/index.php/Mazzarol_Candido_Celeste

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gawler_history/albums/72157649242329293/

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P11039280