By Ann Lomas, friend and resident of Rowland Village
Celebrations were very festive with 11 members of his extended family, for lunch at the Galston Club!
Bill attended various schools including Sydney Grammar. At 17 he began working for the Sydney Commonwealth Bank following his father.
In 1938 Bill joined the Infantry Scottish Battalion based in Willoughby. In 1939 when war broke out, he was called up and joined the Air Force, he was only 18.
Bill trained in various places with Tiger Moths (single engine planes) and Ansons (twin engine planes). He became proficient as a wireless operator and was promoted to Sergeant. He sailed to England and was assigned to the Permanent English Airforce Bomber Command, 7th Squadron. They flew raids over Germany in Lancaster Bombers.
Bill returned home in 1945 where he returned to the Commonwealth Bank and met his future wife, Elaine. They married in 1955 and had 2 daughters Jennie and Sue. Bill worked as a Bank Manager retiring at age 60 in 1981.
In 1992, 32 years ago, Bill and Elaine came to live in RSL LifeCare Rowland Village. All the residents were ex-service personnel and their spouses. Bill has reminisced about the wonderful spirit of camaraderie and the welcome and help given to each new resident. Elaine a gardener, and others have added to the wonderful natural beauty of our village.
Bill enjoyed playing golf on the 3-hole course (now 9 holes) and playing billiards with his old friend and fellow World War 11 veteran, the late Alan Buxton.
Bill often mentions a couple who were knowledgeable about birds and did a bird count which in earlier times numbered up to 70 species. Bill and others in the Village regret the significant reduction in bird numbers and species. A long line of Kookaburras greeting the morning and evening from their gumtree limb or rearing young in a nearby nesting hollow was a joy to Bill and others.
Celebrating your 103rd Birthday is quite an achievement! Bill, your longevity must be credited to your constitution and your spirit and in no small part to the loving care of your two daughters who on the death of their mother 17 years ago, began and have continued bringing home cooked main meals that you simply have to heat and eat!
Thank you, Bill for being such a fine neighbour, friend, resident, veteran and example of strength and perseverance. We thank you for your care, courtesy, humour and honesty. We salute you, Bill and your 103 years!
