Author: robynwhinfield

Horace Whinfield, a private, in the 60^th Battalion, 15^th Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, fought in the battle of Polygon Wood in September 1917. He was an infantryman and at the end of battle, he helped injured mates back to the Medical Aid Posts. He then became a stretcher bearer for the remainder of the war.

The photographs show Polygon Wood as it was in 2015 and from the plaques at the site, how it was in that month of 1917 – complete destruction.

Sheryl Retallick from Bendigo – granddaughter of Madge and George Theobald. Madge Whinfield was the sister of Horace and George Theobald fought alongside Horace on the Western Front. They married after the war, a connection likely made by the much sociable Horace.

“Hi Robyn I thought you might like to see this stuff I found in a tidy up today. The box was sent to Grandmother (Madge) by George Theobald. The locket has pictures of France and the other pieces are George’s badges. I am still reading the book and loving it.”

This photo shows the Whinfield family at a gathering in 1967.

Max and Horace at the back.

Joy, Ett and Robyn, seated.

Vicki, Philip and Lynn sitting on the floor.

Prime Minister John Gorton, formerly from Kerang, shows a group of Kerang High School students around his office in Canberra. The students were on a school to trip to the country’s capital. Robyn Whinfield, aged 16, is pictured in the centre, with pig-tails, and looking at the Prime Ministers desk.

Photo: Kerang New Times, Friday 22 August 1969.

John Gorton was on the Kerang Council with Horace Whinfield. They became friends with Horace replacing John Gorton as President of the council.