John Lester discusses the World War 2 service of his father Athol Frederick Lester in New Guinea, and his post-war life in Sydney. Athol was very politically active after the war and John reflects on this, talking about his father’s protests against not being allowed to drink in an RSL amongst other stories of his activism and work against racism and discrimination. Athol contracted malaria during the war and this badly affected his health later in life. Through Athol and his wife’s persistence he did eventually receive appropriate care and entitlements from the government on the basis of his service. ANZAC Day was very important to Athol and he marched in Sydney even when he was very ill. John also mentions his uncle Cecil Hinton who served in World War 2 and was a POW in Changi.

• Watch John’s interview in Newcastle;
• Return to the Newcastle Yarn Up page.