Anzac Family History: Finding My Grandfather’s Secret War Record at Gallipoli
23 Apr 2021
Have you ever wondered what secrets lurk in your family’s past? From convicts to war heroes, our ancestors' stories shape who we are today. In this episode, Gary Kent and historian Dr. Daniel Reynaud trace the footsteps of two brothers, Robert and Oliver King, uncovering a journey of desertion, faith, and survival on the front lines of WWI.
🎁 FREE RESOURCE: The Anzac heroes were legends—and not just for their courage at Gallipoli. Discover how faith in God played a vital role in their survival and service.
Download your free copy of "Faith of the ANZACS" here:
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Key Moments (Chapters)
00:00 — Introduction
00:30 — Family Secrets: From Convicts to Anzacs
02:12 — Joseph Pingerly: The Convict who Forged a New Life
04:23 — The Mystery of Conrad King: Desertion and Faith
06:56 — Landing at Gallipoli: Oliver’s Baptism of Fire
08:18 — A Digger’s "Fair Go": Punishment and Hard Labour at the Beach
10:43 — The Horror of Wire Gully: A Truce to Bury the Dead
13:09 — Surviving the Somme: Mud, Disease, and European Winters
15:50 — A Miraculous Meeting: Two Brothers Reunite in the Trenches
18:06 — The Pioneer Battalions: Building the Bunkers of the Western Front
20:28 — Willing to Die, But Not to Kill: The Conscientious Objector’s Role
21:51 — General Monash’s Model Battle: The Victory at Hamel
25:29 — Conclusion: Honouring the Legacy of our Ancestors
What was it really like for an ordinary soldier in the "meat grinder" of the Great War? This program follows a personal journey into the Australian National Archives to uncover the service records of the King brothers. We explore the raw reality of Gallipoli’s trenches, where the stench of death led to temporary truces, and the freezing mud of the Somme that claimed more men through "trench foot" than bullets. Discover the unique story of a soldier who deserted due to religious conviction, only to return and serve as a Pioneer—willing to face enemy fire to build defences, but refusing to take a life. From the iconic Hyde Park Barracks to the battlefields of Hamel, this is more than just a history lesson; it is a profound look at how the "Gospel of Peace" survived in the heart of WWI.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out these other historical and spiritual journeys:
- ANZAC Playlist
https://tij.tv/playlist/anzac
- Anzac Chaplains: The Untold Stories
https://youtu.be/Vg0Fjym3fDs
- Anzac Heritage - The Lavertys
https://youtu.be/NL-ckR1yl68
- Tom Richards: A True Champion
https://youtu.be/988KQbVlz8w
🇦🇺 About the Ministry 🇦🇺
The Incredible Journey is a donor-funded ministry passionate about communicating our bold vision of sharing the good news of Christ and preparing people for the soon coming of Jesus.
We are devoted to giving Biblical answers to life’s questions through television, the Internet, social media, Bible Centre, evangelistic ministry and Christian living and faith-sharing resources.
👨🏼🎓 About our Speaker 👨🏼🎓
Gary Kent is the speaker for The Incredible Journey media ministry. He holds a B.A. in Theology, M.A. in Ancient History & Archaeology, and M. in Divinity. He is an archaeologist who has excavated numerous sites throughout Israel and Jordan. As an internationally-acclaimed speaker and TV presenter, he has spoken and produced numerous documentaries on subjects including the Bible, Bible prophecy, world events and natural health. His passion is to share the good news of Jesus’ imminent return.
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