I decided to combine my letter V post for the A to Z challenge with Anzac Day and dedicate my V post to Veterans. I have a few in my tree, some who are direct ancestors and some who are collateral ancestors but this post is dedicated to those in my tree who were veterans.

• Oscar Norman Thompson: served in WWI 1915-1919, enlisted at the age of 21 years and 2 months; completed training in the Middle East before serving in France on the Western Front. Survived after being shot in the neck and left for dead in the desert. Returned to Australia in 1919.
• Arthur Oswald Thompson: served in WWI 1915-1919, enlisted at the age of 19 years with the permission of his father, brother to Oscar. Served in the same theatres fo war as Oscar; saved Oscar’s life when he came across him wounded in the desert (not knowing it was his brother Oscar).  Returned to Australia in 1919.
• Edmund “Sonny” Hartley: enlisted in WWI 18 October 1918 at the age of exactly 18, after multiple previous attempts, with his father’s permission. Sonny dodged a bullet though as he never actually left Australia due to the cessation of the conflict.
• Godfrey Victor Thompson: enlisted in WW1 in 1918 at the age of 18 years and 2 months but due to the cessation of the conflict never saw action. Also served in WWII on the Home Front.
• Herbert Samuel Starr: served in WWII on the home front, heavily involved in the defence of the west coast of Australia and was based at the Perth barracks for the duration of the war.
• Herbert Clive Starr: son of Herbert Samuel; served on the home front 1942-1948 in the defence of Sydney.
• Joseph Roy Starr: son of Herbert Samuel; served in the RAAF 1945-1946 as a Leading Aircraftman.
• Hilton Iles: served on the home front 1940-1941; was posted at the Cowra prison camp.
• Kiffin Denis Iles: served on the home front 1940-1941. Discharged on medical grounds.
• William Edward Thompson: Served in WWII in Papua New Guinea. Spent most of his time being absent without leave. Returned home to Australia, received a dishonourable discharge and deserted his wife and 2 year old child.
• Neville Clyde Thompson: served on the home front 1941-1945 in depot supply. Discharged for being an essential worker.
• Noel Jack Thompson: Served in unknown location overseas, WWII 1943-1946.  Returned to civilian life after the war.