Bundaberg local John Tootell has expressed his gratitude for his father being included as part of the Streets of Remembrance program.
Tootell Crescent in Bundaberg East has been included in the initiative which sees the badge under which local veterans served added to the signs of Bundaberg Region streets named after them.
The street was named in July 1973 in honour of the Tootell family which included Private Eric Francis Tootell who served in WWII.
John said many of his family members still live in Bundaberg today including his wife and himself, his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, as well as his mother who turns 99 later this year.
“It makes me very proud of my father’s achievements for him to be remembered in this way and I would like to sincerely thank Bundaberg Regional Council for undertaking this program,” John said.
Private Tootell was born in Bundaberg on 16 January 1924, one of 13 children, who lived in Skyring Street.
He attended Bundaberg East State School from 1929 to 1934 and enlisted in the Australian Army on 24 March 1942.
“My father enlisted in the Army but after around six months was discharged from the Army and enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy the same day,” John said.
Private Tootell served with the Navy for a number of years, with his most recent posting on the HMAS Moreton, before he was discharged on 9 January 1946.
“As I believe is true with many returned servicemen, my father rarely spoke about the war,” John said.
“The only time I can remember my father talking about the war was when we were standing in front of a memorial to The Krait at Dayman Point, Hervey Bay.
“My father told me that he and his mates had volunteered for that mission, but back then they used to put their hand up for everything.
“I am very keen to have replicas of my father’s war medals made so that my grandchildren can proudly display them at Anzac Day marches.
“I think this will help to keep the Anzac spirit alive.”
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My Dad, William Ker was born in Doolbie near Childers and served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1955-1964. and is a life member of the Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch as I am as well, 2 of his sons also served in the RAN and another son served in the Army with tours of Afghanistan and Iraq