William Murray is one of many who will remember and be remembered for their time in the war this Anzac Day.By Sarah Schwager
LINDA Hunt knew never to disturb her stepfather if he was sleeping in his chair.
Dreams of horrific memories from the war meant her dad William Murray woke startled and confused, often lashing his arms out to protect himself.
The Cranbourne woman said while her father never talked about his experiences in the Vietnam and Korean wars, the emotional impacts stayed throughout her childhood.
The Hunt family, including husband Gerald and children Christopher, 22, Renee, 20, and Rachael, 11, spared a thought on Anzac Day yesterday to remember all those fallen and affected by war.
“I always have a minute’s silence. Mostly I think of what dad’s feeling. I can shed a tear for the guy because I know what he’s gone through,” Mrs Hunt said.
After serving in the wars, Mr Murray stayed in the army as a warrant officer.
“He was very strict at home,” Mrs Hunt said. “He still joined his comrades in the pub on Fridays to release some tension.”
She said her dad had just fought and won his latest battle – cancer.
Mr Murray, who now lives in Perth with wife Eileen, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and then cancer of the throat and has spent the past three years recovering from chemotherapy.
He is just starting to eat properly now.
Mrs Hunt said because of the illness, he was unable to walk in the Anzac parade this year.
“It breaks his heart. It really gets to him if he can’t do it.”
She said when Christopher, Mr Murray’s eldest grandson, was born on Anzac Day it was one of the greatest days of his life.
“It was really special to him. I think the next best thing would be when the Carlton Football Club sent him a card when he was sick.”
Mrs Hunt said she hoped next time her dad could be wheeled to the parade.
“I know he’d rather not show. They’re very proud (war veterans).”
