Colin Thompson was only 18 years old when he became a rifleman with Allied Forces.
YUGGERA man Daniel Thompson commemorated ANZAC Day last week and the memories of his family who joined up to fight in the wars.
Ipswich man Daniel’s grandfather, Colin Thompson, served in PNG in World War II as a rifleman and his great uncle Victor also served in the war.
Daniel said it was important not to forget the sacrifices made by all Australians.
“My grandad was only about 18 when he signed up, he was my hero,” he said.
Respected Aboriginal community member, Colin was born at Purga Mission on January 31, 1925, the son of Annie and Harry Thompson.
He lived at Purga until its closure in 1941 and then moved to Boonah where he found a passion for boxing.
He won many sports awards, medals, and trophies, and in 1943 he enlisted in the Australian Army and was stationed in Papua New Guinea with Allied Forces.
After the war, Colin returned to Boonah, where he married Doreen Davidson and the couple eventually moved to Coalfalls in 1961.
Colin died in 2003.
