On 13 September 1915, local Eltham Butcher, William James Capewell, enlisted in the Australian Remount Unit 1, Squadron 2 which played an important and often overlooked role in the history of the Australian Light Horse Regiments. The following day, the local Eltham Blacksmith, Alfred Edgar Knapman followed in Mr Capewell’s footsteps, enlisting in the same […]
Category: Nillumbik
100 years later – Private Harold Underwood McDonald, Arthur’s Creek
The Melbourne Town Hall The Melbourne Town Hall was alive with music, Union Jack flags, excitement and speeches. The meeting was in August 1914 and the British Empire had just declared war. As a result, Australia also entered the First World War. The evening had been organised to garner support for Victorian men to enlist. Thousands […]
A Devotion to Duty
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer rendered valuable service throughout three days’ operations. The information furnished by his reconnaissance was invaluable, and helped greatly to the success of two advances. He showed marked ability in adapting captured machine guns for use against the enemy, instructing the gunners and helping them in every way. He led a […]
All My Fondest Love – Sam and Bessie O’Donnell
1917 Bessie tore down the path to the mail box. She flung open the latch. At last! Mail! Grabbing the contents from the box, Bessie gingerly opened the envelope addressed to her and greedily soaked in the content. “Bessie, you are my intended. Please wait for me.” Bessie closed her eyes and pressed the card […]
For Henry
It was a still night; cold and dark. From the distance, the orange glow of the fire barrels could be seen. Sparks shot up and danced as high as ten metres in the air. The crowds gathered round, absorbing the radiant heat to keep out the chill. A voice over the loudspeaker attracted attention. The masses […]
Mark Dellar
Biography Mark Anthony Dellar Born 5 April 1953 – Moreland, Victoria Married March 1978 Job title: Technical Officer in Telecommunications Retired 3 years ago Family Mark’s father was Walter Dellar born 1913 in Shepparton. (Sheet metal worker) Mother was Winifred Walsh born 1912 in St Kilda (housewife) Grandparents: Albert Dellar born 1879 Jamieson. Annie Shelley […]
Andy Williams
Andy was born in Bentleigh on February 14, 1944. He Moved house to Heidelberg at age 5. Andy attended Heidelberg state school, he walked 1.5km every morning to get there. Andy then moved to watsonia tech. Qualifications: Fitting and turning tradesman, Diploma of production engineering 1961 started a 5 year fitting and turning apprenticeship. 1st […]
Gordon’s Life
Gordon Barfield Born 1946 Woodford London England Gordons first memory was falling into the fire at age 3 Gordons dad was in RNVR (royal navy voluntary reserve) Horse and cart delivered milk every morning. The milk was half frozen half warm because they put the milk that was frozen on the heater. He hated milk […]
Stephen Thomas Anthony Sommerville
Stephen Thomas Anthony Sommerville Born: 15/2/1952 Age: 64 Nicknames: Dug Married 3 times, had 3 kids with his 1st wife 16 years with first wife – was good but didn’t work out 8 years with second wife – was bad but learned from it 10 years with current wife – going good Childhood grew up […]
Gordon’s life story
GORDON THOMAS HUTCHINSON HIS FAMILY Gordon was born on 15th January 1937. Gordon has a big family he has 3 brothers and 5 sisters Joy, Beverley, Pauline, Ruth, Peter, Sheirley, Robert and Rex.In 1959 Gordon got engaged to ann and then in 1960 they got married 3 year later on the 5th of march they […]