More than 100 years on from the birth of the Gallipoli legend, Mercy Place Lathlain memorialised the Anzac heroes and other ex-servicemen and women on Anzac Day, Thursday 25 April.
May Uphill, one of several residents whose loved ones served their country during World War II, was one of many to remember those who served and lost their lives at a small commemorative ceremony at Mercy Place Lathlain.
A born and bred West Australian who left school at 14 to start work, May remembers the frequent blackouts that were a constant during the war years.
“We were never allowed to put a light on and of course all of the streetlights were out at night,” the 91-year-old recalled.
“During the war years, I worked in a factory which made uniforms for the services, and was trained in all areas of the manufacturing process. I mostly worked in the packing department, where I had to sort all the uniform sizes and pack them in the correct boxes. It was a tiring and busy job.
“I met my future husband after he returned from the war. He had been sent to Borneo and a number of other islands after the Japanese bombed Darwin. He worked as a mechanic servicing jeeps and other military vehicles,” she described.
“His father also served in WWI, so I guess he had heard war stories from a young age.
“Even though he served for many years, he never really spoke of what he had seen, and I think that was common for many of the men who went to war.”
Surabh Nair, Mercy Place Lathlain Service Manager, said Anzac Day was an important and emotional day for many residents.
“Every year, our Lathlain aged care home acknowledges the exceptional contribution of all Australian servicemen and women in our Anzac Day ceremony, and in particular it’s a time for us all to reflect on the bravery and selflessness of our residents, who lived through and also served in WWII,” he said.
“Indeed, our Anzac day commemorations enable many of our residents to reflect on the war years, reminisce about that time whether they were an adult or a child, and also remember those who lost their lives. It’s an important day for all of us.”