It’s been 100 years since the end of the First World War. Leading up to Anzac Day, The Blacktown Advocate asked school students across Sydney to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our fallen and research a serviceman memorialised in the area who shared their surname. This is Daniel’s story.
My name is Daniel Sinclair and I am in Year 5 at St John Vianney’s in Doonside.
I am 10 years old and I share the surname of William George Sinclair but I am not related to him. He has his name listed on the Blacktown RSL World War I Memorial.
My research shows he was 22 when he enlisted in the war. His veteran ID is 2236.
William was wounded in Gallipoli by a stray bullet in his back on August 21, 1915, and has no known grave. His mother Sarah read about his death in the paper.
Reading about William, I felt sad that he died in Gallipoli and I felt bad that his mother had to read about his death in the paper.
I don’t think I could do what he did because it would be very scary and I would miss my family. It was muddy and they didn’t have a lot of choice of food.
He might have been sad and homesick. I think he would miss his family a lot.
When I hear people speak about the Anzac spirit, I think it means mate-ship and being brave and fighting for your country.
I feel proud and it is an honour to share the same surname as William George Sinclair.
My great grandfather served in World War I on the Western Front and my other great-grandfather served in World War II in Papua New Guinea.
Lest we forget
St John Vianney's Primary School Doonside
www.stjohnvianneysdoonside.catholic.edu.au
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