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When Kenneth Laird enlisted he was 26 and newly married to Mary Laird. Prior to enlisting, he was a farmer at Calivil who was well-known as a talented footballer for the Calivil Football Club and a long-distance runner. He was the fourth son of Donald and Isabell. His late father, Donald Craig Laird had been an East Loddon Shire councillor.
Charles Alfred Crapper of Tandarra served as a signaller, providing signals and communications between his company and the headquarters. He was part of ‘Jacka’s Mob’
Leonard Doody’s heroic act in Villers Bretonneux earned him a distinguished conduct medal.
The Doody family made a great contribution for Australia in World War One by sending three sons to serve in the war; Herbert, John (Jack) and Walter. Unfortunately, only Herbert and John returned.
ANZAC Cyclist and Regimental Sergeant Major
John Grylls was amongst the first to enlist for service in World War One. At 28 years of age, he signed up on the 19th of August 1914 and was allocated to the 4th Light Horse Regiment. As John had served three years already with the Mitiamo Light Horse, he was given the rank of Sergeant.
Charles’ mining experience came in handy at Gallipoli. He set about digging to try and locate fresh drinking water for his unit. In Turkey, the days were hot and fresh water was in short supply. It is likely that this digging contributed to Charles’ poor health and ultimately his death.
Robert ‘Chap’ Adam enlisted at age 26 and joined the 38th Battalion alongside his mates from Bears Lagoon.
Ben was a brave runner in World War One. He carried messages across the field to flank companies, dodging bullets as he did his work. He carried on until he was utterly exhausted.
