Sarah Hilary discovers Aussie military connection via AnzacLive

AUSSIES rescued her mother from a Japanese death squad. Now this British writer has discovered another amazing connection to Australia.

IN 1945 Sarah Hilary’s mother was imprisoned in a war camp as the defeated Japanese army prepared to liquidate captured British subjects.

Had it not been for Australian liberation, the British author said she would not have been born.

Visiting Borneo many years later, Sarah said she had been struck by illicit diaries at the camp — and was similarly “fascinated” by the discovery of her great-great uncle Arthur James Adams’ writings from the Great War.

It was a discovery made possible by News Corp’s AnzacLive project.

“This is the first time I’m aware of such great historical importance,” Sarah said.

Journey into the past ... Sarah Hilary.

Her ancestor is one of a special group whose stories are being brought back to life in real time on Facebook though AnzacLive.

Carpenter Arthur James Adams was 26 years old when war broke out across Europe and was quick to enlist in the 3rd field ambulance.

British-born Arthur left Brisbane in September 1914 and was a contemporary of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, of “donkey” fame.

JOIN ARTHUR ADAMS ON FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE

Arthur’s comprehensive diary has been preserved at the Australian War Memorial — a surprise for novelist Sarah, who said family had no idea it existed.

“What’s fascinating for me is that it brings my ancestry back to Australia,” she said.

Handyman who loved a chat ... Arthur James Adams (left) with his family.

The Australian commitment of honouring the past was particularly poignant for Sarah.

“These are boys that you feel you know. History should do that. Not just interest us but to tug at our emotions.

“It’s not to feel morbid but this thing is enriching for people’s lives … I think it’s amazing.”

SARAH’S INCREDIBLE INTERACTION WITH ARTHUR: CLICK HERE

In contrast to Sarah, who had no idea of her relative’s story, is Elizabeth Barwick — grand-daughter of fellow AnzacLive character Archie Barwick.

Elizabeth, who lives in Sydney, is well aware of the family stories and has some memories of Archie — a Tasmanian-born country lad with a gift for writing and a knack for soldiering. She is also very supportive of AnzacLive.

‘It’s fantastic’ ... Elizabeth Barwick with grandfather Archie. Picture: John Appleyard

“It looks fantastic. It’s an exciting new project, I haven’t seen anything like this before. It certainly adds to the story of Archie. We’ve seen our photos and we’ve got our stories, but to get the balance of that with other photos supporting the story he’s telling makes it really interesting,” she said of the project.

Asked what she thought Archie might think, she added that while he was a humble man who did not crave attention, “he’d be amazed ... I think he would be happy that his stories were out.”

Elizabeth believes Archie would still be writing — and farming — if alive today.

FOLLOW ARCHIE ON FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE

“I think the writing was an output to help him make sense of happening, it was a way to help him keep on top of what was going on, but I think he was also writing to record history,” she said.

“He’s my grandfather. That’s how I thought of him. But now he’s not only my grandfather, he’s a hero, he’s a role model. Someone I can read the diaries and take lessons from and apply it to my life, with his courage and tenacity. I think it’s the same for the rest of the family, we’re all just so incredibly proud of him.”

Originally published as Sarah Hilary discovers Aussie military connection via AnzacLive