Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born 05 Feb 1902 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Died 16 Jan 1957 Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia

Parents: John Henry Christey & Sarah Ann Rebecca (nee Timmins)
Roy was the couple's fifth and third youngest child

Grandparents: John Christey & Elizabeth (nee Green)

Roy enlisted on 11 May 1917 giving his age as 18 years 4 months, when in actual fact he was 15 years 3 months. Occupation stated was a Baker.
It is poignant that this was just 8 days after his eldest brother John William Christey (Service No: 6056) had been killed in action in France. This fact I believe would not have been known to the family at that early stage.

Records reveal 'Permission is herewith accorded to permit my son, Roy Christey to embark for active service abroad, before he attains the age of nineteen years of age' (Duly signed by Parents) which would seem to be highly unlikely given his tender age.
Regardless Roy did in fact depart Sydney per A14 'Euripides' on 31st Oct 1917.
After arriving in England it is believed that his age was brought to the attention of officials and because he could not be returned to Australia was put to work in the Bakery in England where he stayed until 20 Sep 1918 before making his way over to France 23 Sep 1918 where he remained in the Army Service Corps 3rd Field Bakery until May 1919 before returning to England and his subsequent return to Australia per 'Chemnity arriving 08 Sep 1919 still underage at 17 years 7 months.
Roy married his young sweetheart Ellen 'Ruby' Traynor in 1927, the couple going on to have 3 children