Although I have grown up knowing the significance of Anzac Day, I hate to admit that I really didn't appreciate the sacrifices of our young men until I started family history research.
Every Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, I research a family member who made the ultimate sacrifice. They did not get the opportunity to have children or grandchildren to remember them, so I now feel a duty to do so.
Today I pay tribute to Albert George "Bertie" Warner, who was born 23rd January 1892 in the small farming community of Winiam, Victoria.
Bertie's mother, Sophia, died shortly before his second birthday from "Acute Mania & Exhaustion". Her death was soon followed by the death of Bertie's four year old sister, Jane, and his baby brother, Robert.
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| My first cousins (3 times removed) Caroline (Carrie), Albert (Bertie) and Maria (Ria) Warner |
George stayed living in the area but died in 1902 when Bertie was 10 years old.
Bertie attended the Winiam State School and was a "prominent member" of the Winiam community. Similar to many other family members he was a member of the Cricket and Rifle Clubs and played football with the Imperial Football Club.
After leaving school, Bertie became a farmer, like his father and many other family members.
On the 4th March 1916, at age 24, he joined the 38th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Forces. On the 26th June 1916 he was aboard the HMAT Runic, on his way to fight in many notable conflicts, including at Messines, Ypres, Polygon Wood and the Somme.
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| HMAT Runic Source: http://alh-research.tripod.com/ships_lh.htm |
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| Albert George (Bertie)Warner Circa 1916 |
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| Albert George (Bertie Warner) Circa 1917 |
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| Winiam State School Honor Roll Includes the name of three family members who lost their lives in World War 1 |
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| Unicorn Cemetery, Vendhuile, France Source: www.cwgc.org |
Lest we Forget
You can listen to the Last Post here (advert is only 10 secs before you hear it)
You can also read about other family members who fought in World War 1
Valiant Victims
Ypres
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| Click for more "V" posts |
As my relations are Irish I don't have any who died in either conflict though when I look at local war memorials I notice peoples names I recognise.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any luck tracing your Irish ancestors? I have a few Irish ancestors and they are all brick walls.
DeleteHaving just finished a book on WWI, your post sent chills down my spine. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI admire you Denise. That would have been very difficult, especially if it related some of the personal misfortunes of the soldiers.
DeleteSharon, this is a wonderful tribute to Bertie. He and my great great uncle George Fullerton may have known each other as they were both in the 38th Battalion. George died during the battle of Messines in June 1917.
ReplyDeleteI got a shiver reading this Aillin. 6 degrees of separation! I can just picture the two young men on the boat together having a cigarette and talking about what the future may hold. Then fighting together in such horror, with neither coming home.
DeleteI read your posts about George with interest.
The connection has inspired a new project, which you will read more about in future :)
I am grateful for our service men and women and the great sacrifices they make. Our losses are felt heavily. They will be remembered though.
ReplyDeleteYes they will be remembered and their efforts appreciated.
DeleteI love what you have done here to honor one of your ancestors. Your family will remember Bertie all the more. A dashing young man in his uniform!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon.
ReplyDelete