Anzac Day: Anglicare aged-care resident shares story of service and how it led to a six-decade marriage
Local
As we commemorate Anzac Day this year, a Brisbane aged-care resident shares his story about how he met the love of his life, whom he was married to for nearly six decades, during his service
As we commemorate Anzac Day this year, a Brisbane aged-care resident shares his story about how he met the love of his life, whom he was married to for nearly six decades, during his service.
Ronald Stanley James is a resident at Anglicare Southern Queensland’s St Martin’s Residential Aged Care Home in Taigum.
Donning his medals proudly, Mr James reminisced on his training days at Wacol Army Barracks where he was both a Private and Senior Sergeant before being posted to the Water Street Army Depot, formerly known as the Valley Drill Hall in the Army Medical Corps.
The Water Street Army Depot was used primarily as a recruit processing centre for the Australian Military Forces (militia), the 6th Division AIF, the Volunteer Defence Corps and the Civil Construction Corps during World War II. Mr James helped undertake medical examinations for prospective volunteers at the Depot.
Ronald Stanley James was awarded The Australian Defence Medal
As someone who was prepared to defend his country, Mr James believes it’s important for individuals and communities to commemorate Anzac Day.
“It’s a very special day,” Mr James said.
“The training I and many others went through is all about discipline.
“At first, I just thought ‘I may as well do it’, but I’ve since realised how important it was.”
Mr James was born in Indooroopilly and has been at St Martin’s for around 18 months.
Over the course of his career, he has done a lot, including playing soccer for Queensland, managing a country club and bar in Strathpine, and working in advertising and car appraisals.
Mr James began his training as a Private in Wacol and finished as a Senior Sergeant several years later.
He was awarded the Australian Defence Medal for his dedication and longevity of service.
Mr James decided to end his service when he married a beautiful Belgian woman, Rita.
A 58-year-long marriage resulted in four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren – what a legacy.
Thank you to Mr James for sharing his story this Anzac Day.
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