Victor Theodore Smith, Private, N430582,A.C.M.F, 34 th Battalion, Australian
Infantry.
Victor was born on the 18 th March 1920 at Wombarra and died on the 9th April 1940.
He was the much loved son of John and Blanche (nee Roach) Smith of Denmark Street Wombarra,
and brother of Ken and Maurice. John was a coke worker at Coledale and had been a lay preacher
at the local church at Coledale, he was credited with putting the first one pound note in the till of the
Hospital Kiosk when it opened. Blanche was a founding member of the Coledale Hospital
Auxiliary and was both it's President and Secretary at various times. Both John and Blanche worked
at the Hospital Kiosk all of their lives.
Their son Victor was well loved and respected in the local and wider community.
He was a member of the 34th battalion, stationed at the Ingleburn Barracks, he was a Dispatch rider
and Company Bugler. Victor was killed while on active service under tragic circumstances.
On the 9 th of April 1940 Victor and Frank Atkins (of Bulli) were both called on a dispatch, they set
off on their motorcycles. Victor was riding ahead and Frank Behind. Near Liverpool Victor hit a
barricade and was killed instantly, Frank was able to stop. Victor was given a military funeral and
was buried at Scarborough Cemetery.
The following obituary was published in the South coast Times on the 19th April
“Wombarra
(By W.M.)
The tragic death of a local boy, Victor Smith, Wombarra, late of the 34th. Battalion, Liverpool,
came as a great shock to all who knew him. The fatality was recorded in last week's issue of this
journal. Victor, who was an old boy of Wollongong Junior Technical School and employed at the
Steelworks, Port Kembla, will be remembered by his friends as a keen sportsman and great
personality. His keen sense of humour and bright disposition won him great admiration from young
and old. The Military funeral which was largely attended, by lads from all walks of life proved the
esteem in which he was held.”