Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Frederick Michael Ronan (Bill). The first child to Susan May Ronan, more commonly known as Sylvia.

Frederick Michael Ronan, was born in the Lumeah private hospital at Snowtown, on the 04/09/1917.
Frederick was an infant when he was left to be cared for and raised by his grandparents, Elizabeth Anne and Patrick James Joseph Ronan.
As a young child Frederick was also under the impression that Susan and the other children of Patrick and Ann Ronan were his brothers and sisters.
He was about 8 or 9 years of age when he was told whom his real mother was. We have been told through stories from distant relatives that he was reminded of what he was "illegitimate" throughout his life.

Frederick became more commonly known as Bill, (named after his biological father William Waples).
He attended school in Gawler, until 1925, when he and his grandparents moved to Highbury street Adelaide, and lived next door to William and Sylvia Waples, "his real parents".
Bill then attended school in Prospect, Adelaide.

Bill was nine years old when his lawful mother Susan May (Sylvia) died, she was burial at West Tce cemetery, Adelaide.

Thirteen months later, his guardian grandfather Patrick James Joseph Ronan died and was laid to rest with his daughter at West Terrace, Cemetery.

Bill later worked as a labourer in various jobs around the city until he turned 23, and on the 06/08/1940, he enlisted into the 27th Australian Infantry Battalion private S21530.
He served most of his time in Darwin, particularly Manton Dam, situated about 28 miles South of Darwin.
He was discharged on the 28/02/1944, and returned home to his grandmother, whom was now living in Crowther street, Adelaide.
It was around this time that Bill met his bride to be, Mary Venora Clifton, born on the 08/07/1923.

Bill found employment working as a shop assistant in Adelaide and later employed with the Railways, as a checker and porter. He remained with the railways up to his retirement.

Around 1945, Bill moved to 20 Harriet street Adelaide. Bill and Mary, were married on the 06/07/1946 at St.Francis Cathedral, Adelaide. Bill was 28, and Mary was 22 years of age.

In 1950 they were living at 11 Stanford Crt, Adelaide, where they had their first child, Michael Edward, born on the 18/03/1950.
Bill and Mary, moved to a more cheaper accommodation in Sturt street, Adelaide, where their second child was born, Kathryn Mary, born on the 30/11/1955.
They moved once again to Wright Street, Adelaide, and finally around 1962 they settled at 54 Hume street, Salisbury.

Mary was taken to the Lyell McEwin hospital, due to ill health on the 06/01/1979, she died the next day, aged 55.
Three months later, on the 03/03/1979, in his home, Bill died, aged 61.
Both were cremated at the Enfield, Cemetery.