Ernest Gordon Goldsmith recognised for service on small Ships Fleet

On Remembrance Day, 2020, his son Neil Graham Goldsmith of Sanctuary Point was told he would finally receive medals recognising his father's service.

Born in Huskisson in 1910, Ernest - known as Gordon - was a fisherman. At 32 years of age, in 1942, he signed up to the Small Ships Fleet.

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His brother Allan and cousin Bob signed up with him, and the family also provided one of their fishing trawlers for the fleet, purchased by the government for 1200 pounds.

Gordon served in Papua New Guinea and along the Australian coastline. The Small Ships were vital for moving men and supplies around, and protecting Australian waters.

"His brother Allan was credited with shooting down one of the Japanes planes," Neil said.

"And he later worked at HMAS Albatross. Thirty-two men in his unit died."

Despite this, because they were volunteers who worked on contract, the men who crewed the Small Ships were not considered for medals.

"When he left the war he wasn't even allowed to join the RSL, and that stuck in our craw," Neil said.

After Neil's son wanted to learn more about Gordon's service in 1996, Neil began to campaign to have his service recognised.

"Dad didn't talk much about it to me, like most of the men at the time," Neil said.

"We've been writing letters to the US an Australian armies since 1996 - I have books and books of the letter we sent.

"He did 415 days service with 15 days leave, 400 days in the South Pacific war zone."

Finally, in 2005 the family received Gordon's service medal.

They continued to petition for him, and on Remembrance Day this year received the news that his '39-'45 Star Pacific Star, Australian Service Medal and War Medal were all on their way.

"His first medal, in 2005, it was exciting that they recognised he was there," Neil said.

"To finally get these ones on Remembrance Day, thank goodness. After all this time, he has some recognition. It's good for the family."