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The Spec Blog – with Richard Beks: 100 year-old’s Light Horse days recalled

WALTER James “Wal” Kettle, a member of the 4/19th Light Horse Militia and believed to be either the last or one of the last remaining Light Horsemen from the Second World War passed away last September 1 after celebrating his 100th birthday the previous February.

Mr Kettle’s father, William, also served in the mounted infantry of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) during the First World War and fought in Gallipoli, Palestine and throughout the Middle East.

Born in Colac on February 20,1922 and raised on a dairy and chook farm in nearby Yeo, it was in 1939, at 17 years of age, that Mr Kettle put his age up to be eligible and voluntarily enlisted in the horse militia.

Mr Kettle’s daughter, Elizabeth Jordon, told the Spec at the time of the big milestone that her father rode throughout the state during his time in the militia, training and preparing to go overseas when required.

“He rode all through Victoria and along the coast and finally, in 1941, they decided the 4th Light Horse wasn’t going to war anymore, as there was no place for them overseas,” she said.

Following the final dismount of the Light Horse, Mr Kettle was sent to the Pacific Islands to clean up in 1943.

On September 26, 1956, Mr Kettle married Wendy Bell, also from Colac, and the couple worked on clearing land for soldier settlements before being allocated one of the last settlement dairy farms in Muntham in 1957.

The Kettle’s shared the settlement with around 16 other families and enjoyed the benefits of living in an incredible community.

“The soldier settlers, you just can’t speak highly enough of what a wonderful community they were,” Ms Jordan said.

“They stood by each other; they’d help with harvest - everyone did everything for nothing - it was just an incredible community – you just don’t see it anymore.

“If anyone was in need the others stepped in immediately and helped.”

In his youth, Mr Kettle also enjoyed hunting and shooting in the bush with his brother-in-law and close friend, Frank Bell.

As for the secret to longevity, Mr Kettle said the key was to be kind and not worry.

Ms Jordan said her father had always been a big risktaker throughout his life.

“Dad lived a long and healthy life and never worried about anything,” she said.

Residents and staff at the Coleraine and District Health Service had gathered on the Monday morning of his 100th birthday to celebrate the occasion.

Jim and Jack Mellington from the Hamilton Light Horse (pictured) paid Mr Kettle a special visit on the day, dressed in full Light Horse Brigade regalia and bringing horses, Sunny and Bandit.

Mr Kettle lit up when he spotted the horses rounding the corner. Ms Jordan then said her father would still be keen to ride if he could.

A funeral service to celebrate Mr Kettle’s life was held at the Coleraine Uniting Church, followed by a private interment at the Colac Cemetery.

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