Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Friends of ANZAC Cottage Inc

Lance Corporal David McKay enlisted in the AIF on April 5, 1916 at the age of 31 years and 8 months. A married man, David had worked and lived at Holyoake a small timber community approximately 86 kms from Perth. Prior to enlistment, David’s occupation was a saw filer, an occupation that saw him maintaining and caring for the various saws used in the saw mill.

During his service, David was attached at various times to the Engineering Training Company and the Cycling Training Company. However it was in France whilst serving with the 11th Field Company that David tragically lost his life on 30 June 1918 as the result of an accident (see account of death below)

This left his wife, Elsie and three children in a difficult situation which, once again was resolved care of the good folk of the Ugly Men’s Association. These men rallied around and built a home for Elsie and her family at 73 Samson Street, Beaconsfield, for which Elsie was most grateful (see letter below.)
Unfortunately tragedy seemed to follow this family. David’s wife , Elsie died only 5 years after David in 1923. She had remarried in 1922, a very short marriage indeed.

Again, not designated as an “ANZAC Cottage”, but surely fits the bill. For other stories that helped so many of the serving men and their families, come along to ANZAC Cottage on Sunday , June 27 from 1:30 to 4pm. The talk at 2:30pm and displays will reveal more about “Other ANZAC Cottages”.