The first Sunday in September is Father's Day in Australia. My wonderful father passed away 42 years ago at the young age of 69 with bone cancer. He grew up in the East End of London. He was clever at school but he had to leave when he was 14 to go to work and help with the household budget. One of his jobs was pulling a heavy concrete roller over the local cricket pitch for sixpence a week.
During WW11 he was rejected by the army because he had a bad back he also had an important job in keeping the population fed. He was a truck driver for a meatworks. He had to drive to the ports and pick up the meat that was being imported and get it to the meatworks to be distributed to the butchers. The Germans tried to starve the English by continually bombing the ports to prevent the ships unloading. So it was a dangerous job but he survived. I was born during this time and when the war was over times were tough in England. Food and clothing was rationed. Mum had to queue for ages for everything. It was then that Australia and Canada were advertising for migrants to go to their countries. Dad suggested they migrate. The wait time for Canada was longer than the wait time for Australia. In 1949 they were on their way. They left their parents and friends to start a new life in a strange country. (You can read the story by clicking on "My Story" on my sidebar.)
He had a hard start in Australia. We lived in a tent for 6 months and then a garage for 5 years. He built our house in Sydney. Later he went to night school to improve his qualifications. He studied for his Leaving Certificate at the same time as me.
That's a nice brief history of your obviously clever father.
ReplyDeleteYour father had a hard start in Australia in 1949, living in a tent and then a garage for 5.5 years. He built your house in Sydney. Later he went to night school to improve his qualifications. Thank goodness he lived long enough to establish himself a proper career, even though you lost your beloved dad way too early.
ReplyDeleteIn 1951 my in laws lived in a rural migrant hostel which was awful, but they were very grateful to be protected from the dangers of eastern Europe. They eventually moved to Sydney, got a shop, put their boys into decent schools and lived decently. What a shame my father in law also died too early (1979). We raised a glass to him at lunch, this Father's Day :)
So lovely to read about your Father on Father's Day, Diane. He worked hard and studied well.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, photos and memories of your Father! Take care, have a wonderful week ahead!
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching tribute to your father. His life reflects perseverance, courage, and devotion not only to his family but also to the greater good during a challenging time in history. The sacrifices he made, and the resilience he showed in building a life in a new country, are truly inspiring. It’s clear how much you honor his memory, and through your story, his legacy continues to teach patience, hard work, and faith. I invite you to read my latest posts as well. I think you might find them meaningful.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing old photos of families. I did not know about Canada opening to immigrants back when I was born. my dad was 36 when I was 6, he married late in his life and I was the first, looking back is a good thing and jogs old memories, even your family pics jog old memories of mine
ReplyDeleteWhat a moving tribute to your father. His life story is a powerful reminder of resilience, hard work, and faith through challenges, qualities that truly reflect a life lived with purpose and love. It’s inspiring to see how he persevered through war, migration, and hardship, always prioritizing family and opportunity. Your memories honor him beautifully and encourage reflection on the legacy of those who came before us.
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