Des Cosgrove reflects on the Anzacs after two generations of his family served in wars

THE Anzac spirit is ingrained in this Brisbane family, with two generations serving in world wars.

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served out country since WWI, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day. THIS story is part of Quest Community Newspaper’s 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile Queensland WWI heroes and families as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during WWI, let us know on our Facebook page or email [e-mail]

THE Anzac spirit is deeply ingrained in Des Cosgrove’s family, with two generations serving in world wars.

Mr Cosgrove grew up in Camp Hill with a mother who served as a nurse in Cairo in World War I from 1917-18 at just 21 years old.

“She embarked for Egypt from under the Story Bridge,” Mr Cosgrove said.

World War I Army nurse Nora-Jane Cosgrove.

Serving their country was then passed down to the Cosgrove men, with all three of Mr Cosgrove’s brothers fighting in WWII.

However, the Eight Mile Plains resident just missed out on his chance to go to war, as the 15-year-old was still a cadet attending St Joseph’s Primary School when the war ended.

His oldest brother Frank was just 18 years old when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Airforce .

Frank Cosgrove pictured in 1943.

Justin was sent to Borneo with the Army and spent two years abroad.

Finally, Mr Cosgrove’s third brother, James, served in the Navy in Japan.

Naval officer Jim Cosgrove pictured in 1944.

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served out country since WWI, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day. THIS story is part of Quest Community Newspaper’s 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile Queensland WWI heroes and families as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during WWI, let us know on our Facebook page or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Des Cosgrove reflects on the Anzacs after two generations of his family served in wars