- This topic has 1,282 voices and 0 replies.
- Posts
In April our trekking company will be honoured to welcome to PNG Walter Kelly a World War II Veteran to walk the Kokoda Trail. Below is a copy of an email I received from his daughter Colleen Dewhurst:
Henry Walter Kelly aka Wally, Wal, Walt. The Fox, Grampy, Gramps, Grumpy.
Born in Camperdown Hospital, 7th May, 1924.
Grew up in Pomborneit Nth, a very small bush town in the Western District of Victoria. He was the 5th child of twelve children. He had an illustrious academic career, receiving the award for best attendance at Pomberneit Nth Primary. After primary school he began his working life.
Working life – Fully qualified roof tiler. He was trained through the ex-serviceman scheme after WW2. He is still very proud to have been involved in the building industry.
Served in 2nd WW on Long Island in radar. Spent time in hospital in Sogeri in P.N.G during the war.
The Western district is renowned for producing bike riders, and Grampy spent time as a professional bike rider and regularly rides today – see below.
He is Father of 3 and the Grandfather of 6.
Grew up next door to future governor of Victoria, Sir Richard McGarvie. When one of his grandchildren was at a government house dinner, Wally caught up with Sir McGarvie and they reminisced over old times.
Awards.
- Leader weekly sports star, 29th July 2002
- Best Grandfather in Victoria, possibly Australia.
Prizes
- Northern Veterans Cycling Association (NVCA) – 1st in 32km road race, Winter Championships, 1992, 65-69 years.
- NVCA Summer championship, 93-94, 1st in road race, 65-69 years.
- NVCA Summer championship, 94-95, 1st in road race, 70+ years.
- NVCA Winter championship, 95, 1st in road race, 70+ years.
- The world masters games ? 3rd in hill climb ? Brisbane, 1994.
- The world masters games, 2002, Melbourne. Gold road race, silver criterium, bronze time trial. 75+ age group.
Bike Rides
- Melbourne-Sydney – 88 times
- 24 hour ride around port fairy non-stop
- The great nullabor bike ride, 1996
- New Caledonia
- Thailand
- The great new Zealand bike ride – 3 times
- The great Tasmanian bike ride – 5 times
- The great Victorian bike ride approx 20 times
- Melbourne-Warnambool twice younger professional
- Gippsland tour professional – 3rd time
- Midlands tour professional – 50th time!
- Seymour – Cobram professional crashed
- Camperdown – Warnambool at least twice
Currently rides or walks approx 60kms a week
Still known to occasionally jump on granddaughter's horses
Still known to occasionally jump on dance floor (beer providing)
Wally is preparing to go on Kokoda track on April 16th.
Walter will be the oldest person ever to attempt the track at 81. The previous eldest was 72. Walter is looking forward to seeing PNG again, this time not under the influence of malaria and dengue fever.
As you can see, my father is an amazing individual who characterizes the Aussie spirit with his ability to live life to the full, and enjoy every minute of it, into his eighties?and beyond!
Colleen Dewhurst
Being_carried_at_the_finish_line_in_Kokoda.jpg
Group_Pic_at_Owers___Corner.jpg
Walter_and_Tom.jpg
Walter_at_a_river_crossing.jpg
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.