Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Thomas and Alice McKINNON, 222 Keen Street, Lismore, New South Wales

Peter Sinclair McKinnon was, born 26 years ago at "Woonona, on the South Coast. To know his parents is to know from whence he received those innate, and sterling qualities which resembled in many respects those of another Peter who was termed by his Master a "man of rock," and it but need ed, the occasion and the opportunity to bring those great qualities, into evidence and play. With a deep appreciation and love for parents and home, and the things with which he was most familiar, he had, perhaps, no desire or love for the new and terrible experiences of war, but when the seriousness of the German menace to British institutions and British liberties was realised he voluntarily and unhesitatingly answered the call of duty. With his brother he enlisted in September, 1915, and sailed for Egypt on March 28th, 1916. After spending a few months there he left for England, and from thence soon after for France, where he since fought, taking part in most of the famous engagements during 1917 and until August this year. He was twice wounded, the second time being sent to England, where he recovered. After  recovering he was, given a furlough, which was spent in visiting the laud of his fathers. There was evident in all his letters a cheerful and uncomplaining devotion to duty, even when it involved the greatest discomfort and hardship, and when, after the bitter experiences of the European winter, spring returned his joy and gratitude were very real. But for him, as in a letter to me his mother bravely said, the '' winter is past.'' In the springtime of
his life, Peter McKinnon, on the 23th August, was officially reported "killed in action.'' The springtime which he loved so well had scarce been overtaken by the European summer, when he passed, we believe, into the land of eternal spring. The best bequest he makes is the record both of a duty courageously done and of a thousand thoughtful act's performed for those he loved best, the memory of which will never cease to make life in future a little more beautiful and springlike, while assuring loved ones that the life begun; here will unfold and develop and be made perfect in the Father's presence and under His care. May the God of all grace and comfort be with, his parents "until the day dawn and the shadows flee away.'