Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

I was just four years old when you died,Dad...31 years after you returned from WW 1.....and I'm so sorry I never got to know you. But I can tell you what happened with your family after you died. Your eldest son Bevan, who was 13 at the time of your death, was conscripted into the Army when he was 19, and remained active in the CMF until he died of cancer in 2007...as you did Dad, in 1947. He married, and had two daughters.

The woman you married a decade after you returned from the war, Lillian never entertained another man, dedicating her life to raising your two children. My most wonderfully caring mother died in 1972 after suffering a stroke. She was buried with you, Dad.

Your younger son.....well... he's still vertical and breathing Dad, and have lived my own life. I never married, but have one son. Things have changed a bit over time Dad.

You were not afforded the chance to tell me about your life, Father...but I recently had our family researched...and would like to record here some pertinent info.

You were 23 when you enlisted in January 1916, and living at home in Manly NSW with your widowed mother Margaret, and working in mens wear.

You landed in France in June 1916, a Private, as part of the 2nd Div Light Brigade Train, but in October 1918 you were hospitalised in Glasgow with pneumonia. You may have been in the 3rd Div Train by then. Some of your war records are difficult to decipher Dad, but it seems you returned to France and were there when the war ended.

So for you Dad, the war was over, and you arrived back in Australia July 1 1919.

I can recall in later years Mum showing me your medals and ribbons, which are recorded as the Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory medal.

You were away in the war for over three years Father...a long, long time. Your death denied us both the opportunity of sharing your story.

However Dad, just in time for Anzac Day 2017, I am proud to record here for all to see.... what I have discovered.

" Dad....I remember...and I wish I got to know you"

Geoffrey

April 19 2017