AS WE approach Anzac Day, many Ballarat residents have a story to tell about family members who served in overseas wars.
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Wendouree man Norm Fisher’s father Charles Fisher served in New Guinea during World War II, where he won plaudits for a brave effort to capture a Japanese general.
The local paper wrote that Charles and his unit launched an attack on a Japanese camp headquarters, where a major-general escaped by the “barest possible margin”.
Norm said his father changed his date of birth to be able
to get the chance to fight in the war.
Like many others who fought, he didn’t talk much about what he did during the war. After it was over, he was granted a soldier’s settlement farm and started a family.
“He was a pretty good dad, to bring up 11 kids in them days,” Norm said.
Norm said he didn’t often get the chance to make it to Anzac Day services, but he would be watching the marches on TV.
“You sit there with the old tears running down your eyes thinking of your dad and all that,” he said.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Ballarat Commemorative Dawn Service
WHERE: Ballarat Cenotaph, Sturt Street
WHEN: 6am on Friday, April 25
