24/04/2026
As we won’t be working on Saturday, Anzac Day and today sees us hosting a wedding I thought I would take this opportunity to commemorate our Anzacs including the men and women who married during this war time.
There are some interesting facts through the history of Anzacs and I’m always fascinated by the history of the men and women through story telling.
I take this moment to recognise not only some of my own past family members but the Aussie blokes and Shiela’s, along with some of our First Nations people and those people who contributed during these times including American Navy personal who married Australian women.
In fact, nearly 15000 women married American soldiers or marines, they were also part of what was called the “ Brides Trains “ which meant they would travel from as far as Perth to Brisbane and then jump aboard a ship bound for the USA. Much like one of the photos of Kenneth and Nancy Lankard.
There was also “ operation war bride “ where nearly 70K brides were transferred from Europe and Australia to America to be with their husbands.
Whilst we may have gone through some tough times during Covid, the people during WWII were subject to war rations and sharing clothing like bridal gowns or even doubling up on the wedding day to save money if two sisters were getting married or friends.
In Brisbane Qld, there were up to 16 weddings a day at the Albert St Unity Church, for American soldiers who were stationed in Qld marrying their Aussie brides. During this time as well, gowns were borrowed, bouquets were shared and cakes were rationed.
Take a moment - not just for the Anzacs on Saturday but all the Brides and Grooms who sacrificed for love. Some married just before going to war, never to return. Some married in absolute hardship and some were able to celebrate while also being subject to bombs going off nearby. Nevertheless, they married for love.
