Veteran’s daughter shares stories of ANZAC life
DUBBO resident Virginia Carter’s driveway was adorned in tribute on Anzac Day this year, paying homage to generations of men in her family who had served their country in different wars.
Ms Carter laid an Australia flag blanket, with candles and three photos of her father Tom Carter, who served in World War II and the Borneo War, her great uncle Arthur Forrest from Trangie, and her great uncle Will Carter who served in the Sudanese and Boer Wars, as a Major in World War I and in army administration in World War II.
It could be said her father and mother met because of his service to his country.
“My own dear old dad and ANZAC Tom Carter... was from Nyngan,” Ms Carter explained. “In 1940 he commenced his training in a camp at Cowra and, when he had a few days leave, he hitched a lift on a butcher’s truck which travelled up and down from Sydney with supplies, bringing meat for the Japanese POWS and the Australian soldiers,” Ms Carter said.
“In Sydney, he made a beeline for the Paddington Town Hall where dances were held... (for) 6d pence (5 cents) entry.
“Local church ladies were in charge of supper, cakes, sandwiches and lashings of tea – strictly no booze allowed. These dances were the only way to meet suitable ladies (long before Tinder)
and a young nurse from RPA HOSP, Nerida Forrest from Carinda, had caught his eye.
“Apart from seeing the occasional movie, a game of cards, or owning a new-fangled ‘wireless’ radio (an expensive luxury) these were the only entertainment options available.”
Ms Carter said that after a three-day train trip to Townsville, her father was sent overseas on a troopship to New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
On the journey, the ship hit a mine, killing two on board.
“Dad had many interesting and funny stories about the natives and their daily lives on the Island, but we heard very little about the tough stuff,” Ms Carter said.
“That’s how these old diggers were, stoic, get the job done, ready to defend their country and their freedom. A freedom and a lifestyle for which I’m ever grateful and thankful.”
Ms Carter’s great uncle Arthur came home a different person due to his experiences in war.
“(The) poor fellow came back with what we now know is PTSD. It was then called battle fatigue,” she said.
“He lived his days out with his brother and family. At least he had a roof and meals... but he never recovered from the horrors of war. He was a shell, sitting on the veranda, staring into the distance.
“We must never forget our freedom and the many sacrifices made by service men and women.”