Bert and Mary Marsh

Bert was a member of the Walmer Sea and Land Scouts. Left school early as he was 'sickly' and worked in a brewery, and learnt cobbling. [Always mended his own Australian family's shoes'.]

Came to Australia under a Boy Scout Plan 1913, under a system of immigration apprenticing British boys to SA farmers, and worked on various SA farms.

Joined Australian Army August 1914 [declaring he was 19 not 18 years old] in First 10th Battalion, as a signaller in front lines at Gallipoli and France.

Married December 1918 in England to Susannah Roberts and after the War returned to SA with his wife and worked as farmhand in Riverton area where they met the Huppatz family. In 1920 bought 2 township blocks at Paruna and in 1922 bought the farm at Meribah. Later divorced.

Married Mary Huppatz March 13,1929 at Finnis Point making their home at Meribah farming.

Community involvement included Paruna R.S.L. - secretary 1919-1940, Paruna Rifle Club, projects for those in need during the Depression, Browns Well A & H.F. Society and cricket - Captain of Browns Well team.

Six (6) children born while living at Meribah.

Their farm income suffered from World Depression and drought during the 1930's.

Enlisted in Army July 1940 as an Instructor, attaining rank of Lieutenant, A.A.S.A., stationed at Warradale Army Camp. Walked off farm January 1941, selling livestock, etc., and moved to Warradale [Adelaide suburb] living corner of Diagonal and Morphet Roads, south of railway line. Discharged August 1944.

Obtained position in SA Lands Department and moved to Murray Bridge January 1946, as District Inspector of Crown Lands and Leases, Upper South East, living in Department house at 74 Adelaide Road, built especially for the large Marsh family - the first house built in Murray Bridge after the war.

As Inspector was involved in the opening up of the "90 mile Desert" for Soldier Settler farms by AMP. Made many friends with farmers and was greatly respected.

Heart attack in 1953. Went overseas with Mary in 1958, visiting his remaining family.

Designed and had built their home at 19 Jarvis Avenue, Murray Bridge, where they retired in 1960. Died in Murray Bridge Hospital 1961 after his second heart attack. Buried in R.S.L. section of Murray Bridge Cemetery.

Interests

R.S.L., fishing and cards with his mates [and with his family], gardening - fruit and vegetables, reading and playing the piano "by ear", are but a few!

After leaving school at 13 learnt dressmaking and tailoring and sewed for local families and her own family. Helped on the farm milking and general farm chores until brothers old enough to do the farm work.

Married Bert Marsh March 13,1929 at Finnis Point, then lived and worked on farm at Meribah. Apart from her family which came first, she was involved in Methodist Church and community. Gave birth to six [6] children while living at Meribah.

Coped with drought, duststorms, the Depression and heat, but managed to establish a comfortable home, an oasis of a garden growing a lot of their own fruit and vegetables, and sewing for her family. Had househelp from neighbours' daughters and her sisters - the children often having holidays with them. Because of her strong Christian beliefs Mary guided her children in Mail Bag Sunday School correspondence lessons.

Moved to Warradale [Adelaide suburb] and brought up their children virtually on her own with some househelp, as Bert was in the Army and only home occasional weekends.

Continued her involvement in Church and community which included war effort fundraising and sending food parcels encased in hand stitched calico bags, to Bert's relatives in England and her sister Zelma serving as a Nursing Sister in the Middle East and sewing and teaching her daughters to sew.

Moved to 74 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge January 1946.

Moved to 19 Jarvis Avenue when Bert retired and created a lovely garden.

Drove her grey and pink Morris Major until 84 years old.

Moved to Resthaven, Murray Bridge 1989 where she was renowned for caring for the other residents and much loved by staff and residents.

Died peacefully after a short stay in Murray Bridge Hospital 1994. Buried with Bert in R.S.L. section of Murray Bridge Cemetery.

Interests

Church groups - Guild, W.C.T.U., Bible Society, fetes, catering, etc.

President and Examiner for Girl Guide badges. Scouts.

Hospital visiting weekly with small posies for each patient, flowers having been gathered from her own and family and friends' gardens. She was awarded the Telecom/MV Standard Advance Australia Award of Merit in recognition of her hospital visiting over 28 years.

Meals-on-Wheels volunteer driver for 15 years, member of MB Legacy 

Gardening - flowers. Visiting "shut-in" people in their homes. Piano playing.