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Anzac Day all in a Geraldton family

Geraldton Guardian
Leanne, Allan and Cobba Headland come from a large military family.
Camera IconLeanne, Allan and Cobba Headland come from a large military family. Credit: Geraldton Guardian, Tamra Carr

Allan Headland is well known around Geraldton.

In January, we reported on the double-amputee’s community work and 50-year anniversary with wife, Rose.

Last week, we bumped into Mr Headland again — toasting the Anzacs with his children Cobba and Leanne at Birdwood House.

“My dad was in the military,” Mr Headland said.

“Joined at 16, got out at 19.”

“His brothers Ted, Tom and Stan were in there too and my granddad.”

“They didn’t really like talking about it much.

“Though I did hear Uncle Stan swam under a river on fire to save a bloke.”

Mr Headland said he doesn’t have too much detail on his uncle’s service, but carries pictures of his father and grandfather with short biographies in his jacket.

On Anzac Day they honour William John Headland and Hubert Charles Headland, who enlisted in 1943. Mr Headland also gave a nod to his father-in-law Tom Cole, who served in the Australian army.

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