As the first light of dawn broke over Sunbury this Anzac Day, our community gathered in solemn reflection, united not just by tradition but by a deep and enduring sense of gratitude. In the hush of the early morning, we honoured not only the broader legacy of the Anzacs but also two local sons whose stories exemplify the spirit of courage, sacrifice, and service that defines this day: Harold and Norman Benzley.
A Story Close to Home
The Benzley brothers were not abstract figures in a far-off history book. They were our neighbours who once walked the same streets we walk today—Barkly Street, the schoolyards of Sunbury, and the familiar paths that weave through our lives. Their story is a poignant reminder that the legacy of Anzac is not just national; it is personal, local, and living.
Their family knew hardship even before war cast its long shadow. Their father died in a tragic accident at the Sunbury Train Station in 1911, leaving their mother, Mary, to raise the family alone. Yet, when the Great War arrived, her sons stepped forward.
Harold Benzley: A Youthful Sacrifice
At just 19, Harold Benzley answered the call to serve. He joined the 22nd Battalion, later attached to the 21st, and landed at Gallipoli, one of the most hallowed names in our military history. His journey did not end there. Harold fought in the fields of France, where he was tragically wounded and died at the age of 20. He now rests at Puchevillers Military Cemetery. His sacrifice echoes far beyond those distant fields, reaching all the way back to Sunbury and into the hearts of all who gathered this Anzac Day.
Norman Benzley: Courage Under Fire
Norman, the elder brother, was 32 when he enlisted. A draper by trade, he served with the 52nd Battalion and rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major. In 1918, he was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre for extraordinary gallantry during the Battle of Passchendaele. Despite being severely wounded, Norman survived the war, returned home, married, and lived a full life until the age of 73.
His humility in the face of danger was captured in a letter home after receiving news of his award:
“I am still going well but can never tell when your number is going up.”
It was a sobering reminder of the ever-present risks our soldiers faced and the quiet bravery with which they bore them.
A Living Legacy
The Benzley brothers’ legacy is more than a tale of wartime valour. It is a call to remember that history lives among us. Anzac Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a reflection of our values as a community: courage, mateship, service, and unity.
Their sacrifices, and those of all who served and continue to serve, have shaped our national character and built the freedoms and peace we enjoy today. In remembering them, we are challenged to carry forward the spirit of Anzac not just in ceremony but in our everyday acts of care and resilience.
Lest We Forget
This year’s dawn service reminded us that remembrance is not passive. It is active. It is a commitment to living in a way that honours the past and uplifts the present. Through shared stories like those of Harold and Norman Benzley, we ensure the spirit of Anzac lives on, not just in Sunbury, but in the choices we make, the values we uphold, and the future we build together.
Thank you to all who joined us in the quiet of the morning to remember, reflect, and renew our shared commitment to a better world—one built on sacrifice, unity, and hope.
Lest we forget.
2 responses to “Honouring Our Local Heroes: The Benzley Brothers and the Spirit of Anzac”
Thank you for sharing this story.
Norman Benzley was my Grandfather.
My father was named after his Uncle Harold Benzley after he was killed in the war.
We still have Norman’s Croix de Guerre medal in safe keeping.
Lest we forget.
Joanne Anderson ( Benzley )
Great to hear from your Joanne. You have got every reason to be proud of your Grandfather.