Category Archives: Australian Imperial Forces (A.I.F.)

Echoes of War: The Franz Family’s Tragic Legacy.

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With seven children born to my maternal great grandparents between 1886 and 1901, you would expect many descendants today. However, my maternal grandfather, William Theodore Franz, was the only one who married and had children. His sister Edith died at seven years of age after being thrown from a horse. Sisters Dora and Lillian lived long lives but never married or had children. The youngest brother, Clem, was killed at 32 years old by a falling log. The most tragic … Continue reading

An excursion to Ypres.

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On a recent European cruise, we stopped at Zeebrugge, and the ship offered an excursion to Ypres, Belgium, the site of three First World War battles. My husband and I booked the visit as I have a person in my family history, Andrew Petrie Porter, who remains missing after the Third Battle of Ypres, Belgium. I often research and write about Andy as he was known, as he is one of the favourites from my family history. The first battle … Continue reading

The Wheeler Project.

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Originally published as GSQ Blog on 23 Oct 2016 One hundred years ago the world was engulfed in conflict. Men and women from every nation were conscripted or volunteered to fight when hostilities broke out in Europe in August 1914. Some 416,809 Australian men and women enlisted in the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF), the main expeditionary force of the Australian Army.  By the end of the war, over 60,000 Australians had been killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed or taken … Continue reading

My Grandma Irvine: Lills Life and her autograph book.

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Inately proud of her extended family, Lill kept in regular contact with her extended family and friends. How do I know this, you may well ask? Primarily through her marriage, which came about through meeting her future husband while visiting interstate family on both her mother & father’s sides. Then there is that little book collected by many a young girl in the past, their autograph book. I have a copy of Lill’s little book, but more on that later. … Continue reading

The Extraordinary Life of Uncle Billy.

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Anzac Day approached and I started to reflect on my military ancestors. Last year I presented Uncle Jack’s story of his service at Gallipoli. This year I want to honour another uncle, who served in the First World war.  His, was an extraordinary life and the more I learn about him, the more I respect and admire him. Allow me to introduce you to William Wright, MM, alias Harold Harvey and affectionately known to the family as Uncle Billy. I … Continue reading