IAN Ferguson is one of the Australians selected to attend the shores of Anzac Cove next year for the centenary commemorations.
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Mr Ferguson’s father, John Malcolm Ferguson served in the army as a sergeant.
He landed on the shores of Gallipoli after signing up in August 1914.
“He was part of the first Division Ammunition Column and after escaping the shores of Gallipoli he went on to France,” Mr Ferguson said.
It was there he was decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal while a part of the 41st battalion.
“He landed back in Sydney on Anzac Day in 1919.
“My father didn’t like to talk about the war much.”
Mr Ferguson’s family is enriched with a military history. As a sailor in the Royal Australian Navy himself, the Worrowing Heights resident understands what Anzac Day means.
“It wasn’t until I had had some experiences in the military myself and we would head to the RSL for a drink and a game of pool that he [Mr Ferguson’s father] opened up a little,” he said.
Mr Ferguson said he is looking forward to the centenary, which honours the 36,000 servicemen who died during the Gallipoli campaign.
“I’ve been to Gallipoli before in 2011. It was a very moving experience,” he said.
“I think it’s just the emotion there that strikes you.
“It’s such a big event in our history and to be there for the 100th anniversary is such an honour.
“I’ll be attending with my son, Grant Ferguson, who was a commanding officer at HMAS Albatross.”
