Happy birthday to Roy Begg, a Second World War veteran, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today.
Roy was born in Punchbowl, NSW, in 1923.
He was working with the NSW Department of Road Transport and Tramways, when at 18 years old, he was called up for war service after Japan’s entry in to the conflict in December 1941.
He became a signalman in the Australian Army and first served as part of the Militia (CMF) before later transferring to the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Roy had postings in New Guinea and Malaya and worked as a Morse code operator. During 1945, he also served in Morotai where he provided wireless communication during the invasion of Borneo at Tarakan (now Indonesia).
Roy was posted to 49 Australian Heavy Wireless Section when he discharged from the AIF in February 1946 and was grateful to have served alongside his best friend Jack Day.
After the war, Roy returned to his pre-war job and spent the next 30 years there. He then spent time working with St George before it became a bank.
Roy enjoyed ballroom dancing, and on one particular night, he met a young lady who would become his wife. In 1956, Roy married Coralie and they went on to have a daughter and a son. Sadly, Coralie passed away in 2017.
Roy liked to play cricket, lawn bowls and golf when he was younger. He held important roles at the Mona Vale Golf Club for more than 60 years. He also enjoyed travelling extensively with Coralie.
Roy credits his long life to good health care.
#mattkeogh #veterans
