HARRY Augustine, 13, is proud to have the same nickname as his great-grandfather and well-known Ballarat publican, George “Auge” Augustine.
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And the St Patrick’s College year 7 student would love to get to the bottom of the wartime mystery surrounding the elder Auge after stumbling across a clue while helping clean up his great-grandfather’s personal papers.
George’s son Neil said the story began when North Melbourne-born George met and married a young fruit shop assistant named Doris, whom he nicknamed Dot.
Shortly after their wedding, George signed up to the army and left on the Aquitania for the Middle East during World War II as part of the 2/7AGH Division.
“At this point in time, Auge wasn’t aware Dot was pregnant but, with battle stations ringing out, he was more than aware he and his mates were in hostile waters and avoiding German raiders was of major concern,” Neil said.
The Aquitania travelled in convoy with the Queen Mary, which broke off and headed to eventual capture at Singapore.
Meanwhile, George had arrived safely in Ikingi Meruit in the Great Amiriya Desert, on which was placed rows and rows of tents.
“Now was it coincidence, the toss of a coin or just sheer luck, but out of all the tents Auge had been assigned to was one in which he found an old discarded army kitbag.
“Hidden inside the lining Auge discovered a colourful card.
“To his surprise and amazement were the handwritten words: “To My Darling Auge From Your Loved Dot”.
“George was shellshocked to say the least as he knew his wife was unaware where he was stationed and he knew she hadn’t sent the card so who had?”
Neil said George sent the letter to his wife back in Melbourne, who was also intrigued by the mysterious author.
Harry said he was keen to know if anyone knew who Dot and Auge could possibly be.
“The puzzle in the card was very intriguing and I’d love to know who they were,” Harry said.
Apart from that one card, Auge and Dot had no communication for several months until finally the first shipment of mail arrived.
While there was no letter for Auge, there was a telegram with just four words: “Congratulations. Son. Both Well”. It was the first he knew he was a father.
“It would be another two years, four months before Auge returned home to hold his son.
“The mystery of the card was never solved but I’d lay odds that they were two very special people just as my mother and father were,” Neil said.
