Douglas Whitworth with cadets from Marmion Army Cadets.
Camera IconDouglas Whitworth with cadets from Marmion Army Cadets. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Anzac Day holds special significance for 95-year-old Gwelup WWII vet

Staff WriterStirling Times

FOR 95-year-old Douglas Whitworth, Anzac Day held special significance.

The former Australian Infantry Forces Private, who served in World War II in New Guinea defending the city of Lae, remembered his time in service and his fallen mates.

Mr Whitworth, who lives at Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre Residential Care in Gwelup, enlisted as an 18-year-old in 1941, something he needed his parents’ permission to do as he was not yet 21.

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He joined as a ‘Choco’ National Serviceman before being transferred to the AIF as a signalman responsible for keeping communication lines open by laying and maintaining long cable wires, while most importantly keeping his head down.

Recognising the importance of commemorating Anzac Day, staff at the David Buttfield Centre organised for cadets from Marmion Army Cadets to conduct a service at the residential care facility in Tuesday.

“We recognise the personal connection our residents have to World War I and II and acknowledge their experiences and contribution,” Baptistcare chief executive Russell Bricknell said.

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