Mr Timothy Cruise shares the story of his family – a family that saw four sons serve in the Great War.

 My Grandfather, Ezekiel Cruise, was one of 9 children born near Nathalia between 1885 and 1901. Grandfather desperately wanted to enlist to serve in the First World War, however he was denied permission to do so due to the necessity of him having to remain behind to help run the family farm.

He watched four of his brothers head off to serve in the War. Albert, the eldest of the 9 siblings and his younger brothers John Edgar, William Stanley and Thomas Henry all enlisted and left home to serve their country. The youngest of the four brothers, Thomas, lied about his age to join the army and was actually only about 16 years of age when he enlisted.

The youngest of the four brothers, Thomas lied about his age to join the army and was actually only about 16 years of age when he enlisted.

The brothers served at Gallipoli and other overseas posts during WWI and amazingly, all made it home to tell the tale. William was injured in the war, totally losing the use of one of his arms. Albert went on to serve at home during WWII and due to his deeds during WWI he was promoted to Lieutenant and was awarded an OBE or similar award.