I was asked today if across the family we have members who have been engaged in wars or peace keeping forces somewhere around the world since World War II. I don’t know the answer to this. Does anyone?
Red poppies
I stepped outside the house to collect my mail and heard, in the distance, the last post being trumpeted at the Bellerive war memorial. It was 11.00 am on the 11th of November. I stood to attention remembering those who have fought in wars, and what I saw made the necessary connections.
For years I have watched self-sown red poppies pop up but I have never before thought of them as flowering on Remembrance Day. Their red petals were wavering in the breeze at the end of my driveway. I doubt whether these poppies are anything like those at Flanders and elsewhere in WWI, nevertheless, with the last post on the breeze, I had all the components with which to remember all family members and friends who have gone to war on Australia’s behalf.
In the earlier email, I highlighted two of our family members who went and fought in WWI. Other family members served their country during WWII. I remember them with gratitude today.
Corporal: Harold Edward Markson Tyzack
Craftsman: Paul Thomas Tyzack
Private: Ronald Baker Tyzack
Sargeant: Victor Thomas Tyzack
LEST WE FORGET
Today is Remembrance Day
On the 11th of the 11th month each year, we remember those who fought wars overseas on behalf of us: the Australian people.
When twelve Tyzack family members descended on Christ Church in Essendon over a month ago, we sat in the pew dedicated to two Tyzack men who returned from World War 1. For members of our family these were an uncle, a grandparent, a great grandparent or an even more distant relative.
Our recent family gathering of the size and complexity it had, would not have existed without Corporal Leonard Victor Tyzack – known as ‘Lennie’. He had six children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bruce Tyzack tells us in our book William Baker Tyzack and descendants in Australia, that “Lennie died at the Repatriation General Hospital in Caulfield aged just 40 years old on the 1st April 1933 having suffered from TB since the war, but finally dying from cardiac failure.”
Our second family member who returned from the first World War was Lieutenant Thomas Oswald Tyzack. Bruce informs us that following the war, ‘Ozzie’ married and lived the last part of his life in New Zealand. “Thomas Oswald Tyzack died suddenly and unexpectedly on the 12th May 1928 having had a heart attack on the third hole at the Titirangi Golf Course; he was only 42 years old.”
Both men were young when they passed and I can only imagine that their contribution through World War 1 had an enduring impact on their bodies.
During our visit to the church, we noted a commemorative plaque had been attached to our pew.
LEST WE FORGET
BBQ photos – the final group family shot
Here we are with all our differences; heights, colours, ages, size, clothes … I have included every photo taken of the group, in case your best photo is in one photo but never in another.
While 76 family members booked to attend the BBQ, perhaps not all made it into this photograph – I never counted the people in the photo. Possibly some were off playing in the children’s playground next door and others may have left the party early. I hope you find yourself and your family below.
What a handsome crowd we make. Thanks everyone for making Sunday 9th October such a happy occasion.
BBQ photos – preparing for our family group photo
During the BBQ, family members gradually meandered out to the BBQ area of the Port Melbourne Bowling Club in preparation for a large family group photo. Here are some of those early ‘arriving’ photos.
Bringing together approximately 76 people was always going to be a slow but a happily relaxed process as these photos show- despite the careful directions of one family member.
BBQ photos – eighth lot
The number of photos left to add to this blog from our Sunday family get together, is diminishing. Only a few more days and a few more collections of photos to be shown. Do you have any photos which you would be happy to share? If so, please email them to me at tyzack150thanniversary@gmail.com and I will show them on this blog. If you do not want me to name you as the photographer, please let me know.
The photos below show some very special people: some
- are responsible for collecting and researching Australian Tyzack family history,
- are related to the process of ensuring our anniversary events took place,
- took photographs during the weekend of family members,
- provide an example of people who came from distant parts of Australia such as Darwin to attend the anniversary events,
- are the oldest living descendants of William Baker Tyzack who landed in Australia with his family 150 years ago in 1866,
- are the latest recipients and therefore the new caretakers of the Family Bible originally given as a wedding gift
to our ancestor William Baker Tyzack in 1852 - are supportive and close family members within this cluster of family
BBQ photos – the seventh lot
Four weeks ago at 9.30 am twelve family members attended the church service at Christ Church Essendon. New photos were taken that morning of some Tyzack memorabilia built into the church. Here is one of those photos.
Then we joined other family members at midday for the BBQ.
BBQ photos – the sixth lot
The days fly by. One month ago we met for the Cocktail Party, and tomorrow represents one month since we gathered together for the Tyzack family BBQ. Here are more photos from that Sunday.
The birthday boy
One of the youngest of our family members turned 4 years of age on the day of our BBQ. This was robustly celebrated with heartfelt song; the sounds of Happy Birthday To You and the sight of a beautiful birthday cake alight with candles, made this little boy very happy. We were all delighted to share the occasion.
Tyzack 150th anniversary 