War memorabilia in Geraldton helps families of soldiers remember sacrifices made in the lead up to Anzac Day

As Anzac Day 2024 approaches, Geraldton relatives of war heroes have shared the importance of remembrance and carrying memories through the generations.

A former member of the 10th Light Horse Brigade, Christopher Cox, has a long-standing family connection to the Anzacs, serving in the Royal Artillery from 1964 until 1966, before being stationed in Germany during the Cold War.

His father started as a professional soldier from 1932, served in World War II and evacuated from France on D-Day, and his sister was a member of the Air Force.

Today he remembers those who fought for Australia through participation with the 10th Light Horse Regiment in Geraldton.

Ten years ago Mr Cox was given a pair of leather gaiters worn in the Battle of Beersheba in 1917, the last ever light horse charge using bayonets and rifles.

He wore them for years, during his Light Horse engagements, before taking them to a local leather worker, Erika Monique Osment to have them repaired.

Last year, the time came to retire the gaiters, so Mr Cox turned to Ms Osment to help make a replica pair using pigskin and kangaroo leather.

Ms Osment’s great-grandfather was also in the Light Horse Brigade in World War I.

“I have his gaiters still and the scabbard that kept his sword,” she said.

For Ms Osment Anzac Day is a day to honour the achievements of those who fought for our country.

“It’s a reminder of what they went through for us, so we can live the life we live today. It was absolutely atrocious what they went through so we can’t forget that,” she said.

Mr Cox is dedicated to keeping accurate memories of soldiers’ experiences alive.

“Soiling your pants, living with lice and rats in the trenches, dysentery. It wasn’t all glory and that’s what we try to express,” he said.

The 11th Battalion was formed with 80 per cent Western Australian recruits, which involved a lot of Geraldton descendants, according to Mr Cox. He said it important to keep the memories alive for the Geraldton families with relatives who died at war.

This Thursday Mr Cox will be wearing his father’s medals for the Anzac Day ceremony.