Lest We Forget

More than 100 years on from the end of the First World War, Regis Nedlands remembered those members of the armed forces who died while serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping on Remembrance Day on Friday, 11 November.

And even though they are too young to remember WWI, many residents at the popular western suburbs aged care home have vivid memories of the Second World War, with several having parents, family members or friends whose lives were lost or affected as a result of the conflict.

Nonagenarian Dorothy Kirton, who was born in Melbourne in 1927, clearly remembers how she and her family sought safety in their nearby air raid shelter as the siren sounded and the city was feared to be a target for enemy aircraft, given its deep-water port and nationally significant munitions and airport factories.

“My father served in World War I and was so badly wounded that he almost had his right arm amputated, so the repercussions of war were very real to us,” she says.

“My husband was also in the army, but very fortunately he was kept in Australia and so of course it was such a relief to know he was safe.”

Resident Valerie Ferreira, who was born just before the war ended, on 14 July 1944, had a father who served in the British army, and was sent to Burma.

“We were very fortunate that he wasn’t captured by the Japanese, but we don’t know too much about his service,” explains Valerie, whose mother took the family from their home in Surrey to South Wales during the war years.

“Back then, there was a ‘stiff upper lip’ attitude and my dad was one of those men who didn’t like to talk about what he experienced during his service. We know that it affected him though”

Regis Nedlands General Manager, Sam Waldron, said Remembrance Day was an important and emotional day for many residents.

“Every year Regis Nedlands acknowledges the exceptional contribution of all Australian servicemen and women during our Remembrance Day service.

“I think it’s fair to say that the commemorations enable many residents to reflect on the war years and also remember those who lost their lives. It’s an important day for all of us.”

Residents at Regis Nedlands commemorated Remembrance Day by holding a small service within the home, and observing the traditional minute’s silence at 11 AM on 11^th November.

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