LATCH, Digby Charles Clement
| Service Numbers: | 61418, V372192 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 17 November 1917, Wangaratta, Victoria |
| Last Rank: | Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | Volunteer Defence Corps (SA) |
| Born: | Swan Hill, Victoria, 17 August 1898 |
| Home Town: | Benalla, Benalla, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Wandiligong State School |
| Occupation: | Draper |
| Died: | Natural causes, Benalla, Victoria, 30 July 1963, aged 64 years |
| Cemetery: |
Benalla Cemetery, Victoria |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 17 Nov 1917: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 61418, Wangaratta, Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| 31 Aug 1918: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 61418, 1st to 17th (VIC) Reinforcements, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '20' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Barambah embarkation_ship_number: A37 public_note: '' | |
| 31 Aug 1918: | Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 61418, 1st to 17th (VIC) Reinforcements, HMAT Barambah, Melbourne | |
| 4 Feb 1919: | Transferred AIF WW1, Private, 14th Infantry Battalion | |
| 13 Sep 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Private, 61418, 4th Division Headquarters |
World War 2 Service
| 16 Mar 1942: | Enlisted Private, V372192, Volunteer Defence Corps (SA), Benalla, Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Mar 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Lieutenant, V372192 | |
| 31 Oct 1945: | Discharged Lieutenant, V372192, Volunteer Defence Corps (SA) |
Digby's contribution to the growth of Benalla, Victoria
After Digby returned home from WW1, the Townsfolk of Benalla presented him with a Medal in 1919 as gratitude for his contribution and return from Active Service. He can be seen in a photograph taken on his wedding day in 1921 to Miss Rita Phillips, wearing his Return from Active Service badge on his lapel.
He went back to the Drapery business, but very quickly realised that his calling was greater and so educated himself in Law.
He became the First Town Clerk of Benalla and served the Town in this role for 20 years, until his health failed in 1960. During his time as Town Clerk, he was instrumental in raising up the then Borough of Benalla, into a bustling City.
In 1954, Digby and Rita were presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II. At this time the Queen bestowed upon Digby, the 'Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal'. The 1953 Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and was awarded for community contribution. The award of the medals was at the discretion of the local government authority, who were free to decide who got a medal and why.
A total of 138,214 medals were issued, including 11,561 to Australians. Our family is indeed privileged to still possess this Medal.
Digby's 'Return From Active Service Australia 1914-1919' Badge, was a badge of honour and he wore it on his lapel every day of his life, until his death in 1963.
(Jenny Jacobe - Granddaughter - Remembrance Day 2016)
Submitted 11 November 2016 by Jenny Jacobe
Too Dearly Loved To Ever Be Forgotten
Click images to start slideshow.