25 April 2007

ANZAC Day - For my Grandfather


Bert Farmer, my grandfather, answered the call to arms when he was in New Zealand, having gone to visit from Melbourne, Australia. He joined the New Zealand Army and was sent overseas...to be thrown into the hell that was Gallipoli, one of the early platoons sent into hell. Bert survived the bloody beaches of Gallipoli and went on to fight in Italy and France. He survived those war theatres, too.

He returned to New Zealand, met and married my grandmother. They had six children, four of whom survived to adulthood but whom he never saw grow up. Having survived the horror of World War I, he was killed seven years after in a freak accident at work.

Although we never knew him, he has gifted his descendants with various creative abilities, and these have carried on down through the generations to his great-great-grandchildren. We have photographers, singers, artists and writers...all a legacy from this man who, with his mates, fought to save both Australia and New Zealand from those wishing to rule the world by foul means rather than fair.

Thank you, Papa, I respect what you did as an ANZAC, and to all service men and women who have served their respective countries in various conflicts throughout the world...a toast, and your heroic sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Lest We Forget.

13 comments:

Lee said...

What a wonderful post, Robyn. Here's to your Grandfather. :)

Dragonheart, Merlin, Devi, and Chloe said...

Wonderful post. :) Your grandfather served his country well. I am grateful for all the men and women who have served, and who continue to serve, and they are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peter said...

Hi Robyn, good post... My friend Jan, (see sidebar) was a Farmer her family were also from Melbourne.. could be rellies???

Unknown said...

Having been in the horror of Gallipoli, your grandfather Bert was a true hero. I'm g;ad he survived. Thank you for sharing his story.

Carole Burant said...

Hi Robyn:-) I'm back from my trip and trying to play catch up with everyone! I had never heard of Anzac Day so thank you so much for explaining what it means...it's like our Rememberance Day:-) Your grandfather is indeed a man to be honoured and remembered...on our trip, we went into an old cemetery where World War 1 veterans were buried and my heart felt heavy for what they went through but yet so proud of them! xoxo

Merle said...

Hi Robyn ~~ Your grandfather sounded great and it was sad he died too early and tragically. You may have some of his writing talent, because you make your stories so interesting.
Thanks for your comments, glad to hear someone besides me put meals in the freezer. I cooked my chook in Microwave, bought at Safeway as micro-chicken - cooks in 45 mins or more. Thank you Robyn for being such a lovely friend to me also.
I really apreciate you too.
Much love, Merle.

rel said...

Robyn,
That is a beautiful tribute!
We honor them by keeping their memory, and what they fought for held high.
rel

Gattina said...

At least you know where your creativity is coming from, lol ! I really don't know. Certainly not from my father's side because they all were as creative and funny as tombstones.
I just watched on TV a report about Australian bank notes. It was very, very interesting. They are the safest one in the whole world ! Impossible to copy and they are even waterproofed because I could see them swimming. I could also see the production and learned that they are made out of plastic. As it is not the 1st of April anymore, I think it must be true. Isn't it ???

Pear tree cottage! said...

Robyn here! here!!! well done and beautifully written.

I know each and everyone of us who have relatives who have been on foreign shores fighting for this country know how you feel and how you see ANZAC day (proud!)

your photo is lovely a true treasure.....I thank you for sharing this post with us and I am honoured to have read it.

Lee-ann

Anonymous said...

Wonderful tribute to your papa.

Merle said...

Hi again Robyn ~~ Thanks for your comments. Glad you liked some of the Daffy definitions. It has started to rain nice and steadily tonight so do hope it keeps going all weekend.
Take care, Love, Merle.

Anonymous said...

That was a great tribute to your gramps Robyn! Cheers to him and all those who risked their lives, and to those who serve today.

Jeanette said...

Hi Robyn.Ive popped in from Peter and Merle's.Great Tribute to your grandfather,
My Maiden name is Farmer.