Lucky break with biscuits
Man delighted to find grandfather’s image immortalised on Anzac tin
NEARLY 100 years since he was photographed in the trenches, Sergeant Eric William Johnson has been immortalised in a novel way – on a commemorative Anzac Day tin.
Recently released by supermarket chain Aldi, one of Sgt Johnson’s grandsons spotted the tin on a Facebook page relating to World War I’s 24th Battalion, which his grandfather used to be a part of.
And after he showed his brother the tin, Labrador resident Deric Kennedy promptly bought four tins for their other brother in Western Australia and one for each of his five children.
He kept four for himself as well.
The blue and gold coloured tin has the photo on the front, where Mr Johnson sits with other soldiers, and features a side inscription about the veteran.
“That photo was in the Herald Sun 10 years ago, mum saw it and took it to the War Memorial in Canberra,” he said.
“On that day, 1st September 1918, he won his first military medal. He got another one later on.”
Mr Kennedy, 65, said he was “pretty chuffed” with the find, adding his name was a combination of his grandfather and father’s names – Eric and Donald.
“I’m very surprised, out of all the 100,000 plus photos they took in World War I, that’s him,” he said.
He said his grandfather, originally from Melbourne, managed to make it through the war relatively unscathed, but his lungs were “wrecked” after a mustard gas attack. He died in 1966. Anzac services will be held across the Gold Coast tomorrow to commemorate those who fought for Australia.
This year is especially poignant as it is 100 years since the end of World War I.
One of the Gold Coast’s largest services at Currumbin is expected to draw in more than 15,000 people.
Currumbin RSL marketing manager Gordon Watson said the march had changed directions and would come from Currumbin Sanctuary towards the surf club. “It is going to be a big event for us as it is every year,” he said.
The Burleigh Heads dawn service is predicted to have around 5000 people attend and a female veteran, Phyllis Ahearn, will lead the march.
Burleigh Heads RSL SubBranch president Craig McKenzie said Ms Ahearn was 93 years old and an active member of the sub-branch.
She was a postal clerk during the war.