For those who'd like to know more here is a brief synopsis.
Elizabeth is an only child, born to new land farmers in rural WA in 1924. The absence of siblings is filled with an extended family of grandparents, uncles and great aunties and uncles.
One uncle in particular, Ben, is like the big brother she never had. About the time she turns 7 they travel to England to meet her English Grandparents. In that same year Ben leaves home for good marrying at age 19. Ben has a daughter, but the marriage ends.
Ben’s numerous letters to his sister Kathy, (Elizabeths mother) paint a picture of restless adventurous young man, pursuing interests as diverse as aviation, accounting and a private detective. Later sailing to England to “join up” with the RAF. His letters tell stories of the effects of war. Reading between the lines it’s easy to tell that he is disillusioned, homesick and war weary.
Elizabeth celebrates her seventeenth birthday a month early with a river cruise in Perth. Here she meets her “soldier boy” Carol. It’s love at first sight.
A month later, three days after her birthday, word comes that there has been an accident and her favourite uncle, Ben, has died.
With Carol (her soldier boy) due to go to war in just a few months they grow closer, and speak of a life together when the war is over.
A year to the day since Carol sailed from Fremantle bound for the middle east he is seriously wounded. In January of 1943 he arrives home a different man, but still the love of her life. They marry in June that year.
Their first child, a daughter, is born on April the sixth 1945. One month before V.E. day.
Thus begins a story of an amazing woman who overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds, did what had to be done and became a living example of a rich and successful life.
Elizabeths life will be changed forever, she will find courage and love with her little family. At the end of her life she is surrounded by family, descendants, numbering almost sixty.
Her legacy is reflected in the esteem that she is held by all who knew her.
Her example is the legacy passed on from her mother and grandmother.
Women of dignity, courage and compassion. Women who experienced losses and hardship and still continued on with their lives.
Like so many other women affected by warfare she embraces life, proud to be numbered among the Diggers Daughters.
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