Sunday, April 25, 2010

ANZAC Day.

Today, in Australia and New Zealand it is ANZAC Day - a day to remember our service men and women.

Our school held a service earlier in the week and it is always good to see that our future generations are learning about the sacrifices made in times of war.

This is my grandfather, Gilbert Willis. He wasn't at Gallipoli as he was too young to enlist at the time but joined the army in 1916. He was in the 14 LHR [Light Horse Regiment], and later in the 41st Battalion.


These photos were taken in England, the one below is with his cousins. The story I grew up with was that my grandmother was a friend of these girls and he met her while visiting. He returned to Australia after the war and continued to stay in touch with her. He even proposed to her by mail and they were married the day after she arrived in Australia in 1922. They were married 59 years, until the death of my grandfather.


I suppose you could say that I am one of the lucky ones, my grandfather came home. Unfortunately others didn't, including his cousin and uncle. He always proudly marched in Anzac Day parades for as long as he was able, although I never heard him talk about the war.
Lest We Forget.

3 comments:

Maria said...

Yes we can thank men like them for our life today.

Lest We Forget.

RG said...

Hiya friend!!
What a beautiful post... thankyou for sharing some of your Aussie history.

Popping by to say 'hello' :-)

Bec said...

A lovely post.
Didn't the women wear their skirts high then, I can't say that I have seen anyone wearing their waistbands quite so high. Love looking at old photos....