IPSWICH local Glenn West always knew he wanted to serve his country – but he never imagined just how deep his family’s military roots ran.
A proud veteran, Mr West spent 10 years in the Royal Australian Navy, serving aboard warships and small boats.
His commitment to duty was unwavering, but it wasn’t until years after his service that he uncovered the extraordinary legacy etched into his own family history.
“I never knew the full story while I was serving,” he said.
“It’s only recently that I discovered my grandfather, Michael Laurence McGrath, served in World War II as a cook – and even more incredibly, that my great-grandfather fought in World War I.”
That great-grandfather, Fredrick Smith, enlisted with the 58th Battalion in the 5th Division and arrived in France shortly after the infamous Battle of Fromelles.
On just his 28th day at the front, he was shot through the hips and deemed unfit to return to battle.
“To find that out – to actually hold his medals in my hands – was emotional. It gave me a whole new perspective on my own service,” Mr West said.
This Anzac Day, Mr West will share that legacy with his two children. He has ordered replicas of Fredrick’s medals, which his 10-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter will proudly wear as they join him in a jeep for their first Anzac Day parade.
“I think it’s really healthy and important that if you’ve got family that are no longer with us, that kids wear those medals for parades and events,” he said.
“It’s the perfect way to set those memories, for kids to be actively involved in commemorations and to understand the ‘Lest We Forget’ message.”
Although he has traded his uniform for civilian life, Mr West’s mission of service continues.
Today, he dedicates himself to supporting fellow veterans as a volunteer with the Ipswich RSL, where he serves as a Wellbeing Officer and DVA Advocate.
His work involves offering support and guidance to those navigating the complex world of veteran services – especially those who might otherwise be overlooked.
During one of his visits to aged care homes, Mr West met 96-year-old veteran Ron Pflugrath at Villa Maria.
Mr Pflugrath hadn’t marched since 1984 – but this year, thanks to Mr West, he’ll ride in a jeep in the Ipswich Anzac Day march.
Insights from the 2021 Census – highlighted that 163,112 current and ex-serving ADF members lived in Queensland, with Ipswich home to 14,326 veterans – ranking it the third-highest region in the state.
“It’s about making sure no one falls through the cracks,” Mr West said.
“We’ve all got stories, and we all need support in one way or another.”
He believes Anzac Day is just one part of the larger commitment to honour those who have served.
“We need to not only celebrate and remember on Anzac Day, but all 365 days of the year to ensure those who have served and the living veterans in our family are not forgotten.”
Through his continued service, Glen West not only honours his own time in uniform, but also the sacrifices of his grandfather, great-grandfather, and countless others – ensuring the spirit of service lives on in the heart of the Ipswich community.
