ANZAC Day Tribute

I am not one who likes war, conflict or memorialising such events, but I do recognise what the people who fought for us have given.

So many young men in my family have been lost during wartimes. A few of them are remembered below.

Clement Frederick Broomham
http://www.awm.gov.au/research/people/roll_of_honour/person.asp?p=542249
http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/16065730

One of the saddest stories, Clement Broomham was captured, and held as a Prisoner of War in the Sandakan camp, Borneo.

After more than two years as a prisoner of the Japanese, in May 1945 he died in the camp, aged 26.

I can only imagine what hardship he must have endured, and what it would take to break down a young man to the point of death. All the more tragic that after years imprisoned, slowly being left to starve and rot to death, he died a few short months before peacetime.

Not all who fought perished. My grandfather fought in Egypt in WWII, and lost most of his hearing when a bomb when off near him. He also sustained a shrapnel injury in his head, which caused persistent infections for the remainder of his life. Although he didn't die, he was not often able to work, and due to the little support or pension that was available in those days it meant the family lived in near poverty for much of their lives. With his hearing, he also lost much of his ability to communicate with people and as such, much of his quality of life.

I would also like to reflect on a few of my ancestors who fought and lost their lives (albeit in tragic, but not traditional circumstances).
Oswald Charles Cherry
http://www.awm.gov.au/research/people/roll_of_honour/person.asp?p=546434

Oswald C. Cherry, or "Mick" as he was known to friends, had incredibly poor eyesight. This was seemingly a blessing in disguise when in Australia became involved in WWII, and his eyesight prevented him from being deployed to conflict areas. As such he served in a medical unit. 

One night the unit set up camp near a beach in Indonesia when a storm came up. The wild winds brought a tree down on their tent and he was killed.  


Loyal George Cherry
http://www.awm.gov.au/research/people/honours_and_awards/person.asp?p=427043
After going to WWI in the 2nd battalion Loyal G. Cherry  was quickly promoted and returned to Australia (alive!) a military medallist.

After riding his motorbike from New South Wales to South Australia, he intended to try and set a land speed record from Adelaide to Melbourne.

During the attempt a spring came loose, and the motorbike crashed, killing him instantly.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/5631910

It's a sad reality that even if you survive the toughest of situations, you never know what will get you at any time.