A son remembers… ..
When the Centaur was sunk I was 13 years old and did not really have a lot of time to spend with my Dad, but some vivid memories remain. He was a mechanic and motor body builder by trade. We lived in Mackay before the war and I remember well the kites he used to make and help us to fly.
He was a vigaro umpire and we used to enjoy going to watch. We also spent many great days at the beach, particularly the Annual Buffalo Lodge Christmas Picnic.
Dad was very active in the scouting movement, and we all retained and interest in scouts and guides. Through his work he used to convert Tourer motor cars into small buses which were, probably the first school buses in the Mackay district.
He was keen on making and decorating floats for processions, two of which come to mind – a small low-winged monoplane which my oldest brother rode in and a 1929 (I think) Willys Knight car completely covered with flowers. The processions which I remember most were the ANZAC Day parades, because I marched as a Cub.
For a special treat we would travel to visit his brother in Sarine. In those days it would be a full day’s outing – nowadays about half an hour each way.
Dad was an Honorary Bearer at the Mackay Ambulance and as such had one stint at Hughenden.