Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Inserted by Trevor Charles Kohler on 30/3/2015

George, as he preferred to be called, was my grandfather, my fosterfather and the finest man I have ever met.

He married Gladys May Frost (deceased) who already has several children by a previous marriage. Together they had several more and he treated us all as if they were his own. They adopted Marlene who was in fact their Grand daughter. When my parents split up (I was approx. 1 year old) they couldn't adopt me due to the rules and regulations but they fostered me. Both were incredible people whom I admire to this day.

George rarely spoke of his war service other than a few incidences but never about the violent aspect. He also fought in the second war until injured from a fall on a troop ship I think they were en route to New Guinea from the Middle east. He mentioned that he was a donar (sic) for a while.

At some stage I believe he attained the rank of Sgt as I remember seeing his chevrons. In his shed was hung his old uniform with the colour patch still on it. He also still had his canteen and dixie set. He had a few souvenirs in and old wooden ammo box which he kept locked in his bedroom but I was often allowed to browse through it. There were quite a few medals in 2 tobacco tins. There was also a beautiful souvenir book with photos of Egypt. Between the photos were pressed wildflowers from there.

This was my great grandfather, I remember him well & have many fond memories. His war diaries, medals, service records, etc are all in my mums possession. He served in both WW1 & WW2. His son Frederick George (Jim) Kohler is my grandfather, he served in the Merchant Navy during WW2.