IT was a special visit to the Blue Lake city yesterday for descendants of a fallen soldier.
Family history uncovered led the Geelong residents to the region as they paid their respects at the airmen’s service as part of the Anzac Day commemorations.
Lorelle and Russell Abbott made the trip to Mount Gambier to visit the grave of RAAF Sergeant Geoffrey Abbott – who they only found was a relative last year – at the Lake Terrace East Cemetery.
Delighted to be part of the poignant service, Ms Abbott said it was a special moment to share with family and the Mount Gambier community.
“Through research of the family last year, we found my grandfather and Geoffrey’s father were brothers,” she said.
“Since uncovering that information we have seen Bob Sandow’s article in an RSL magazine about how they discovered who he was and the details on how he died.
“It is nice to be here today in remembrance of him.”
Sergeant Abbott is buried with three other air force personnel, RAAF Flying Offier JT Walton, Flight Sergeant BJ Eaton and Flight Sergeant Henry “Mick” Lord.
The four formed the crew of the Beaufort bomber, which crashed near Mount Gambier.
Former spitfire pilot and World War II veteran Charlie Miller OAM led the sentimental service yesterday morning in remembrance of the four young soldiers.
“The tragedy to me is that those four young men in the prime of their lives lost their lives and lost the ability and joy of living lives that we live today,” he said.
“I have had a very happy, exciting life, but their lives were cut short.”
Thanking the Abbotts for visiting Mount Gambier for the service, Mr Miller said he was grateful they could see their relative’s grave was being well looked after.
“I think it is wonderful they were able to come all the way and see the beautiful site where he is laid to rest,” he said.
“The students, who are here today from Moorak Primary School, have done an excellent job in cleaning and tidying up the space.”
For the past term, the Year 4 students have not only studied World War II, but met with Mr Miller and helped to maintain the graves.
Yesterday, five members of the class laid a wreath on behalf of the school.
“It is a good experience to be involved with the RSL and be a part of the Anzac Day service,” student Mitchell said.
“We have learnt a lot about the war and how the soldier’s fought for our country.”
