10/11/2024
Honouring Armistice Day: A Personal Reflection from Jon Marriott
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the guns fell silent in 1918, we pause in a moment of silence, remembering the brave soldiers who laid down their lives to provide our freedom.
Armistice Day holds profound significance for me, rooted in the legacy of my family’s humble contributions and sacrifices during both World Wars. My parents and grandparents stood resilient in times of unimaginable trials, shaping who I am today and granting me the opportunities I cherish. It’s a reminder I never take for granted.
A Family's Story of Service and Sacrifice:
* Farvie (Raymond George Marriott), my grandfather on my father’s side, served in Palestine with the 1st Light Horse. He survived the war, yet the toll of service shortened his life, passing away at just 54.
* Granddad (Alexander McConnell), my maternal grandfather, endured the horrors of the Western Front, including being gassed, injured, and taken as a POW. He faced a life-changing decision—German surgeons proposed amputating both legs below the knee, but his mother refused, demanding he be patched up and sent home. He carried on and lived until his early 70s.
* Dad (Alan Raymond Marriott, DFC and Bar), a quiet hero of WWII, served in Ferry Command, Coastal Command, and in the Path Finder Force (PFF) of RAF Bomber Command, undertaking numerous missions and later becoming 2IC at Rathmines Air Base on Catalinas. He passed away on October 27, 1984, aged 62. His service and experiences left an indelible mark.
* Mum (Margaret “Peggy Mac” McConnell), a quiet yet formidable figure, joined the WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) as a driver but was soon elevated to an Intelligence Officer. Mums service extended far beyond what might be considered fair and reasonable. Even today, her service record remains redacted, but she shared many stories, making peace with her past. Mum passed away at the age of 100 in October 2024.
This year, Armistice Day carries added weight as it is the first without Mum and Dad.
For the first time, I feel the true sense of being an orphan. Yet, their legacies and sacrifices remain deeply embedded in who I am.
To those who served, and to those who continue to honour their memory. We will remember them.
At Radincon today we will be taking a moment to pause and remember. Lest we forget.
