Mackay WWII veteran Peter George Holack dies

One of Mackay’s last remaining World War II veterans has died just weeks shy of his 101st birthday. Read the incredible story of how he cheated death for more than a century.

One of Mackay’s last WW II Diggers who served in New Guinea and cheated death for a century has died just shy of his 101st birthday.

Peter ‘George” Holock, the World War II hero and great-grandfather who made an indelible mark on the Mackay community, will soon be laid to rest.

Mr Holack enlisted in the Australian Army on April 8, 1942 and served in Papua and New Guina, including Port Moresby, Lae and Milne Bay.

He signed up alongside two of his brothers, Bill in the army and Joe in the Royal Australian Air Force who died in a ground accident at Milne Bay at just 19 years old.

Mr Holack, having met his wife to be Eileen before enlisting, maintained the best thing about his service was returning home to wed his sweetheart during training.

The couple married five days before he shipped out for active service.

Peter George Holack, a Mackay World War II veteran, married the love of his life Eileen on August 31, 1942 during five days' leave from the war. Picture: Contributed

In a touching tribute to her father’s long life marking his 100th birthday in 2021, Mr Holack’s daughter Robynn Newman said he enlisted because it was the “right thing to do”.

“I ask him, ‘Why did you enlist?’” Ms Newman said.

“(His) first answer was, ‘Everyone else was’ and I said, ‘That’s a bit stupid.’ He said, ‘It was the right thing to do.’

“They were babies when they went and some of the things that happened to him I go, ‘How did you do that?’

“He was unloading a ship and the Japanese bombers came in and dropped bombs.

“Dad was blown overboard and they thought he was gone.

“His mates jumped in and saved him.”

Mackay World War II veteran Peter George Holack recently celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends. He is pictured with grandson Chris Breckell (left), granddaughter Mikeely Breckell and great grandson Dylan Breckell. Picture: Contributed

The Lance Corporal also jumped off a wharf in the pitch black of night to rescue a mate and contracted malaria four times.

“The other really sad thing, his younger brother Bill joined up at the same time as Dad and Joe did too,” Ms Newman said.

Peter George Holack after retiring from Crokers where he worked as a truck driver delivering fuel. Picture: Contributed

“They were all in New Guinea at the same time but in different places.

“That’s when Joe was on duty, he actually dropped his rifle on changing guard duty and shot himself through the neck.

“He died at 19.”

And while the boys served, their dad died and their mum Frances Tandridge moved into a nursing home.

The three Holack brothers from Mackay who enlisted for World War II: Joe, Peter and Bill. Picture: Contributed

A man who would “do anything for his family”, he and his late wife had three daughters: Linda (Macklin), Glennis (Breckell) and Robynn.

She said her dad loved music especially Andre Rieu and could play the harmonica and piano accordion, although she had never heard him do so.

“And apparently he has a beautiful voice but I’ve never heard him sing,” she said with a laugh. We are just so proud that he made it to 100.”

The Mackay RSL had hoped to celebrate his life and service in a special presentation ceremony on his centenarian milestone but Covid prevented a large gathering.

Sub-branch president Ken Higgins said the occasion was still marked, and Mr Holack’s passing on Saturday, July 9, was a sad day for the region.

“We are mourning the loss of another of our Second World War veterans,” he said.

Mr Higgins will present the poppy at Mr Holack’s funeral on Tuesday.

A funeral service will be held for Mr Holack for relatives and friends to attend at Newhaven Chapel, Harbour Rd at 10am Tuesday.