Luke, Victor Mason
Beaconsfield Soldier
Victor Mason Luke was the fourth child of Edmund Thomas May Luke and his wife Ida Florence (Pearson) Luke.
While Victor was born in Ballarat East in 1891 the family soon moved to Malvern, where Mr Luke built an attractive home in Normanby Road, Caulfield for the family.
Victor spent his formative years living in Caulfield before the family moved to Beaconsfield prior to the First World War.
The Luke family were all educated and well accomplished in their chosen vocations. On completion of school Victor became a sign-writer and painter.
In 1915 Victor enlisted for the First World War and embarked to serve on 29 September 1915.
Victor returned from the war to Australia on 10 June 1919 and was discharged on 2 August 1919.
After the war Victor married Nellie Elizabeth Merritt in 1919, they lived in Kew but continued to own property at Montuna Park, Beaconsfield. They had five children Verna Dorothy, Kelvin Victor, Austyn Edmund, Margaret and Trevor John.
In September 1939 Great Britain, with France declared war against Germany. Victor enlisted for the Second World War on 26 August 1942 serving one year and 87 days. Following in their father’s footsteps the eldest three children joined the Australian forces for World War 2, Verna, Kelvin and Austyn.
Victor’s commitment to duty changed direction when in 1945 he was elected a Councillor for the ward of the City of Kew, Victoria and in 1950/51 he served as the Mayor of Kew.
After a tireless life dedicated to family, community and country Victor passed away in March of 1966.
By Penny Harris Jennings
|
|
