Trish Lesina remembers war efforts of grandfathers Allan Griffin, Bill Webb

Trish Lesina proudly remembers the efforts of her grandfathers Bill Webb and Allan Griffin, who served in World War I.

ANZAC Centenary story: Both Trish Lesina's grandfathers fought in WWI, her parents served in defence force as well as herself and her son. Trish with her collection of medals and memorabilia from her family's service. Photographer: Russell Brown.

As newly married Rose Griffin waved goodbye to her sweetheart Allan, headed for infantry training in Egypt in 1916, her precious engagement and wedding rings flew off her tiny fingers, hit the side of the ship and sunk into the sea.

Some would take that as a bad omen, but luckily Mrs Griffin was to be reunited with her husband a few years later at the end of World War I.

However, he had suffered.

Mr Griffin was missing the front halves of both feet due to trench foot.

Whatever mental scars he had, he kept to himself.

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. If you have an Anzac story to share, email [e-mail]

His sacrifices and those of another man Bill Webb, however, would not be in vain: this Anzac Day, their granddaughter Trish Lesina will proudly march with the medals of both men.

Mrs Lesina was inspired by her grandfathers, as well as her mother Esme Griffin and father Bill Webb (junior), who both served in World War II, to join the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corp as a teenager.

Both Trish Lesina's grandfathers fought in WWI and her parents served in the defence force She is pictured with her collection of medals and memorabilia from her family's service.

The family military ties continued with Mrs Lesina’s second husband Noel a Vietnam veteran and son James Grigg a former member of artillery in the Australian Army.

Although the former prison officer was forced to leave the military in 1969 because she got married, her patriotism remains.

“In my life it’s God first, then my country,” Mrs Lesina said.

She says despite trying to join the Citizen’s Military Forces at 35 and just missing out due to her age, Mrs Lesina said marching on Anzac Day made her “heart sing”.

“Although it’s supposed to be a sombre event and you remember, it makes you feel really good,” she said.

“I’ve done the big march in the city a few times.

“You get the calls like ‘Good on ya, girls’ and it’s really quite exciting.”

She said despite the horrors of war, the camaraderie meant soldiers “seemed to have a good time among a bad time”.

After the march, you will find Mrs Lesina kicking back with a drink.

“I’ll be going to the Geebung RSL will all my other lady soldiers and we’ll be having a good time.”

Originally published as Trish Lesina remembers war efforts of grandfathers Allan Griffin, Bill Webb