James Vigor rarely spoke of his service in World War I

QUEENSLAND’S oldest resident Evelyn Vigor could never forget “the best living man” she ever met.

Copy pic of James Vigor. Pic Darren England.

QUEENSLAND’S oldest resident Evelyn Vigor could never forget “the best living man” she ever met.

The 109-year-old remembers her husband James Edward Vigor as a “beautiful man” but does not recall much about his time in the war before they met.

In 1916 Mr Vigor, who was 26 at the time, enlisted at Enoggera on January 7 and was recruited to the 2nd Reinforcements, 52nd Battalion, leaving Sydney for Egypt in April 1916.

Mr Vigor was part of the combat at Mouquet Farm, which was devastating for the Australians as thousands of diggers died.

In January 1917, Mr Vigor was taken out of combat to be treated for boils, rejoining 52nd Battalion in April.

James Vigor

He arrived home in Australia on August 2 1919 and was later awarded a Victory Medal and a British War Medal for his valiant acts.

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served our country since World War I, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day. Share your Anzac stories, email [e-mail]

Granddaughter Janet Caitens recalled discussing the war with her grandfather who met her inquiries with a solemn response.

“I remember sitting on his knee and asking about the war; I asked him ‘did you shoot anyone’, and he said ‘If I didn’t shoot them they would have shot me’.”

After the war, Mr Vigor started a dairy farm at Memerambi and met wife Evelyn at the Ekka.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served our country since WWI, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the 100-day lead-up to Anzac Day.

The series will highlight the unsung heroes of war and the families, volunteers and groups who have kept the memory of the fallen alive in our hearts.