The passing of a Light Horseman

[LewisM]

My Grandfather, Gordon John Burnett Maynard, passed away last night at 00:15 from a major stroke. He was 94 years old.

He was a member of the 5th ALH before being seconded to the Pioneers (Australia's equivalent of the Marines) during WW2, where he was active in Borneo - Balikpapan, Morotai etc. He was primarily a machine gunner, carrying both a BREN, as well as Thompson SMG and Owen SMG's. His outfit were being readied for the push to Japan when the American's dropped the atomic bomb.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, and was the second last child remaining of a large family.

His memorial and funeral will be this Saturday in Monto. I believe he was the oldest surviving - and one of the last - 5th ALH member at the time of his death. There will be an ALH and Australian Army presence at his funeral

He was a truly great grandfather and he will be sadly missed.

No condolences necessary - he is at peace now after a rather horrible stroke (and yet just last week he was in top health for a 94 y.o, still driving and fully mobile). I was lucky to have been able to thank him and say my farewells before he went.

[deanm]

Vale.

Dean

[FlashDrive]

It's wonderful you got to see him before he slipped away.

Col.

[LewisM]

Just a little update. Helps getting it off the chest.

The funeral was so fitting and what he deserved. The whole town and many people from near and far turned up - standing room only in the 300 seat town hall. Wonderful eulogies from my father, sister and cousin. His solid jarrah (high polish!!!!) coffin was draped in the red ensign, and the top was adorned with the slouch hat with emu plume. My dear old grandmother was so strong, so resilient. I am sure she will break down eventually, but for now she is going a million miles an hour.

The funeral itself was moving with the lone Light Horseman standing at attention at arms, in full regalia and rifle for the entire time (it was confirmed my Grandfather was the last remaining 5th ALH member and one of the very last surviving WW2 veterans from the area). I laid another slouch hat on his coffin to be interned with him (RSL approved).

In the afternoon, at the going down of the Sun, all male members of his close family gathered on the family farm, where we each fired a volley of 5 rounds of .303 (dated 1942) through my 1943 Lithgow Lee Enfield SMLE III*. The hills around resounded to the report as the Sun set in the west... And then the hills fell silent.

Rest well Gordon John Burnett Maynard.

[Kunama]

Sounds like a service very befitting your grandfather Lewis. May he rest well.