Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Roy was the fourth and youngest child of Alfred and Sarah Cummings who initially lived at Belalie North, South Australia. He was born on the 19th June, 1908. His siblings were quite close together, with Albert being the oldest then Florence and Ruby just a year apart. Unfortunately, when Roy was 9 years old his mother died comparatively young, aged 45. The extended Cummings family, especially Alfred’s younger brother Johan and his wife Nellie supported the children and were particularly close to Roy, helping him celebrate his coming-of-age by holding a twenty-first birthday party at Belalie North on June 19 where a number of young people spent a pleasant evening with dancing, musical Items and competitions followed by supper.
Sadly, Roy’s father Alfred died four years later, aged 63 when Roy was 25.
Roy took an active interest in supporting his local football team, including transporting the captain, when he injured his knee prior to a match against Jamestown’s Warriors, back to Jamestown for medical treatment. Roy appeared to be the extrovert of the family being M.C. at the Annual Digger's Ball held in the Belalie North Hall, where a good time was enjoyed by all, dancing to the excellent music supplied by Miss D. Goodes' Orchestra. Roy’s cousin, Amy, provided the floral decorations in the supper room. At a meeting convened by his Aunt Nellie Cummings it was unanimously decided to form a Red Cross Circle and 26 names were handed in for membership. Roy’s uncle, Joe Cummings hosted the Annual School Picnic on his property at Belalie, where a large crowd spent an enjoyable day. Roy also acted as best man for his cousin, Reginald Edward Cummings when he married Margaret McInerney in March, 1939.
With the outbreak of war and just days after his 32nd Birthday, Roy Henry SN SX6646 enlisted in Adelaide on the 24th June 1940. For an unknown reason, he gave his birthdate as 1909. His older married brother, Alfred George was nominated as his next of kin. On his recruitment form, Roy described himself as a Craftsman. Once enlisted, he spent time training in camp with the A.I.F but when on leave, on October 18th the Belalie Cheer Up Society tendered a social for Pte. Roy (Nugget) Cummings. The evening opened with community singing accompanied by his cousins, Gladys Napper and William Cummings playing the piano and violin respectively. The ‘Areas’ Express’ of November 1940 reported that “Mr. W. L. Hodby, in wishing the guest a speedy and safe return, spoke of the esteem in which Roy was held by the residents of the district, and the sterling service he had rendered in sport and social functions. His aunt Gladys Napper spoke on behalf of the local members of the R.S.A. Mr. Bray, Chairman, presented the guest with a Fountain Pen and Eversharp Pencil. On behalf of the ladies Mrs. Fuller made a presentation of a parcel of woollen comforts. Pte. Cummings feelingly responded.’ As was the patriotic custom of the time, a dance and generous country supper followed. Then the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" and "Auld Lang Syne" brought the evening to a close.”
Roy wrote from Palestine to his Aunt Anna (Mrs. F. Cummings) in February 1941, giving an interesting account of the people and country from the point of view of the young Australian farmer. He described himself as fit and well, sending greetings to all his friends. He added that he has had a look at Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Dead Sea. Roy was also particularly delighted with the contents of a hamper sent through at Christmas, via the F.F.C.F by another generous Jamestown local, Mrs. E. A. Coon. Roy and several other local men also wrote back home, reported that he and others were well. The local Areas’ Express of February 1942 reported that “Some were mixing a bit of sight-seeing in with their "scrapping" and generally leading the Digger's life. They were all very grateful for the Canteen orders which they had received from Belalie and sent greetings and good wishes to their relatives and friends at home.”
By this time, his older brother, Alfred had enlisted in April of 1942, leaving his wife Emma to look after their twin girls Margaret and Emma and young Marlene. Later that year in August, Roy also cabled his Aunt and Uncle Fred Cummings “to say that he was well.”
Finally, Roy was discharged at the conclusion of the war on the 3rd October 1945, just prior to his brother Alfred. Berlalie North celebrated hugely in July of 1946 with the Area’s Express reporting that “Belalie North was the scene on Saturday last of the biggest and happiest function held here for many years. This was the occasion of the public "High Tea" tendered as a final Welcome Home to the Belalie members of the fighting forces. At the many "farewells" tendered to the different members during the war years mention was made on several occasions that the "Farewells" would be nothing compared with the "Welcome Back" which awaited them on completion of the job which lay ahead. On Saturday this was proved to have been no idle boast, for then those promises found their culmination in no uncertain manner.
The High Tea which was served in the Hall at 5 p.m. was a fitting climax to many wonderful efforts by the ladies of Belalie who have worked so constantly and untiringly for all the patriotic functions held over the past six years and this was indeed their crowning effort. With typical country flair, the food was outstanding, both in quality and quantity. The floral decorations highlighted the joy of having so many of their sons, cousins, brothers, husbands, friends and family safely return. A ‘Welcome Home Roll Call” was made and each recipient given a framed Certificate of Honor. Besides Roy his cousin Cpl. Dora Cummings was also feted. Roy and the other servicemen were given a wallet and Dora a compact.
For those who had not returned, two minutes' silence was observed, followed by the reciting of the "Ode of Remembrance." "For they are jolly good fellows," then rang out followed by dancing until midnight. A fitting welcome home.
Roy remained a bachelor and died on the 28th July 1977 just after his 69th birthday. He is buried in Centennial Park at Pasadena.
Tribute researched and written by Kaye Lee (Stan and Blanche Cummings’ grand-daughter)