Keith Foster West (1906-2004)

 

Born at Whian Whian on 26 July 1906.

Enlisted at The Channon on 6 September, 1940.

Embarked Sydney 9 April 1941 and arrived Middle East 3 May 1941. Dad stationed in Palestine during the allied/Germany conflict driving army trucks. At the outbreak of war in Asia dad Embarked Middle East on 24 March 1942 and disembarked Brisbane on 19 April 1942. Embarked Brisbane, 4 May, 1943 and arrived Port Moresby 11 May, 1943 with 2/1st Machine Gun Batallion to join the conflict against the Japanese who were moving ever closer to Australia via Kokoda Trail to Port Moresby.

Embarked Brisbane on 4 May 1943, arrived Port Moresby 11 May 1943 and left on 15 February 1944. Dad was deployed to the 2/1st Machine Gun Corp. to fight the Japanese on the Kokoda Trail as they try to take Port Moresby overland, only 50 kilometres from the Australian mainland.

Lived in Kyogle where Robert John was born in 1951.

Moved to Lismore in 1953? where they bought a small convenience store.

Moved to Kingscliff in 1956 where they bought another grocery shop eventually selling this and starting this first newsagency in Kingscliff. Kingscliff was a thriving little community in an idylic location. Cudgen RZ and Murphy Ores sand mining operations were prospering with the extraction of rutile, zircon and gold minerals. The newsagency grew and during school holidays the towns population exploded as it is apopular holiday location. From an early age I helped with running the newsagency by firstly delivering papers on my pushbike to homeowners down to the creek and then with dad delivering papers up to Womin Bay and back in the car with me sitting in the back throwing papers out one side and dad the other, back to the shop and me off to school.

Moved to Brisbane (Rochedale) in 1985 to be with the family in their latter years.

 

Dad in drivers seat, c1930?

 

Wedding Day, 23rd July, 1932 - Spencer best man.

 

Keith, centre.

 

Keith lying - member of the 1/2nd Machine Gunners.

 

Kingscliff, c1940?

 

Kingscliff, c1964?

 

Our Mixed Business Shop, Kingscliff, c1956?

 

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