A tribute to James Willett, Sapper 8th Company of Engineers
James was born on Flinders Island to James and Fanny [née Collis] in 1893. His family moved to Launceston when he was a child.
James enlisted to join the Australian Imperial Force in January 1916 at Ross with large group of other young men.
I found this photo of James hamming it up with his Tassie mates in New South Wales waiting to head to the Western Front, found by accident.
6712 Charles Phillip Bennett, born W.A. enlisted at Ross – Carpenter
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/323512
6715 James Dominic Cannon, born Lefroy, enlisted at Ross, Labourer
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/358468
6716 Joseph John Cannon, born Alberton Tas, enlisted at Ross, Bridge Builder
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/96453
6723 Arthur John Hughes, born Lefroy, enlisted at Ross, Cabinet Maker
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/324422
6726 Guy Horace Langley, born Blessington, enlisted at Ross, Telegraph Linesman
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/132223
6740 Edward Norman Winstanley, born Launceston, enlisted at Ross, Plumber
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/195737
6744 Barry Ralph Augusta Wright, born Macquarie Plains, enlisted at Ross, Miner
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/91565
6745 James Willett, born Flinders Island, enlisted at Ross, Stonemason
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/288791
https://stors.tas.gov.au/weeklycourier$init=1480821-1-4-45-2
George Collis Robinson
In memory of George born 20 August 1896 dying of wounds in Belgium 27 October 1917.
His memory lives on through his family, We Will Remember Them.
A wreath was laid in memory of George’s sacrifice a month ago at Menin Gate 27 September. The person who laid the wreath recited ‘The Ode of Remembrance’ For the Fallen, during the service at Menin Gate, then made the pilgrimage to place flowers on Georges grave at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery – very special & a lovely tribute to the great sacrifice made by George & that of his family & community so far away.
The wreath that was laid was also noticed by a stranger who took the time to read about George and make contact as can be seen in comments at the end of the post ‘George Collis Robinson [Holt]’ Indeed a great many continue to remember our dear George.
Lest We Forget
Protected: Piano part 2
Protected: Piano with the three girls
George Collis Robinson 476
Died of wounds 1917 Belgium 25th Machine Gun AIF.
“He heard the call, he gave it Heed, and now he sleeps in Flanders”
Remembered today with love and gratitude …..Lest We Forget
Alf and Clara Briant 1934
Extracts from Alf’s nephew Walter Briant 1934 diary. Gives a little insight into life on the island.
4th Sept 1934.’worked on Horace Robinsons car today, I mended the radiator and gave the engine a run. Barney Denholm and Merse, Dolly Diprose came to the garage today also the W Robinson. Mrs Coster and Gracey came down tonight and spent the evening with us we had the wireless going. Elsie made uncle Alf a cake as he is not well. Ivy Cook has got bad shes at Tuck Robinson’s place Eric Robinson went for the sister in his car.’
6th Sept ‘I called and saw Uncle Alf in the bungalow he looked very ill, aunty was there too and Alfie. We also called at Uncles on the way back and Father and Horace saw him and he looked better. Elvie came back from the Corner today.’
13th Sept ‘Charlie Hill came tonight and told me to take Uncle Alf to the boat at White mark tomorrow.’
14th Sept ‘I went down to Lady Barron this morning and got Uncle Alf and Elvie and took them to white mark to catch the steamer.’
18th Oct ‘we heard the sad news of Fred Winfield dying with the flu, Horace brought the news.’
6th Dec ‘ I saw uncle Alf Briant today he looks very well but feels not to well’
Remembrance 2018
Amazing Service in Launceston this morning!
Lots of memories from last years trip to the Menin Gate, look forward to seeing this years footage of Remembrance Day.
In the meantime will share this photo of the AIF Second Division called Three Cheers to the King. Those wonderful cheeky Aussie smiles for the camera, helmets and hats on the their guns, not unlike Poppies!
I wonder what they would make of our lives 100 years on. Lest we forget.
The centre photo from No.1 ‘Australia in the Great War The Story Told in Picture’, purchased the set on eBay early this year.
George and the Bowman brothers
Dan on the left, his younger brother Frank (middle) and George with hand on his hip, what a fantastic photo! It was Dan who was initially with the Robinson Brothers and here is George with the Bowman Brothers in the UK. Frank joining the AIF in 1914 and by the time he had met up with Dan and George had served in Gallipoli 7th Btn, then onto the Western Front around Feb 1916 in the 2nd MGC.
Great photo to mark 101 years since his death.
More photos to share
While home a few weeks ago, I had the good fortune to look through a few old slides with cousin John.
Here they are to share – great photo of Uncle Tuck, his son and daughter in-law George and Gladys Robinson on their 25th wedding anniversary along with Aunt Dolly’s daughter Audrey.
The two taken on Woody when Robinson Bros were shipping sheep off shore – not the easiest job in the world. Uncle Dick is in the background with his arm in a sling.
The blue of the water in the photo is just magical!!
Flinders Island: Badger Corner and Samphire River 