Bernadette Carrolan shares the story of Michael Edward Larkin, her great uncle, who served and sacrificed at Gallipoli in the Battle of the Nek.

Michael E Larkin was one of four brothers who enlisted for World World One. Michael enlisted at Casterton in December 1914. Sadly, Michael was killed on 7 August 1915 at the Battle of Nek. He was a trooper of the 8th Light Horse Regiment . He arrived at Gallipoli on 31 July 1915. His brother Andrew Larkin was at Gallipoli at this time, and he was later killed in Belguim. Michael was a talented artist and footballer before he enlisted . His military service was, like many, for only a short time, however he was part of one of the most disastrous events of that campaign.

Michael’s memory lives on in publications of the disaster of the Gallipoli campaign. I only starting researching the Larkin boys when I started my family history. I knew nothing about Michael except that he was killed in WWI. However, I read The Nek (Peter Burness) in which Michael’s mother is quoted. I have since located postcards and letters and have travelled a very emotional journey . I have also supplied information and photos to the book The Sweetland Project (Steven Cooke) about the WWI soldiers born in the Shire of Nunawading.

The Anzac Centenary has given me an opportunity to research and learn more about the impact of WWI on our society. I recently completed an online course through Monash University 100 Stories and it was brilliant. I learnt so much more in that 5 week course than I ever did studying Australian History at school.