The Caroline Springs RSL farwelled its oldest veteran when Allan Godfrey died on Wednesday, March 20.
The centenarian, who had spent his adult life in the west and his final years in St Albans, was an integral part of the Caroline Springs RSL and a lauded member of the wider community.
Mr Godfrey signed up for World War II at just 17. His journey started in Darwin, where he was stationed for 13 months, and took him to New Guinea, Philippines, Borneo and Malaya where he rescued Australian prisoners of war.
Caroline Springs RSL president Peter Burquest said in his older years Mr Godfrey was still happy to serve, through selling badges, visiting schools and helping with Anazc Day services.
“He got a lot of enjoyment out of it, he always reckoned the RSL had kept him going,” Mr Burquest said.
“He was happy to be with us and we were so happy to have him. He’s such a legend – a legend of that era.
“He was someone everyone looked up to and the kids loved him… It’s sad he’s not going to be here anymore and the kids are gonna miss him.”
In 2022, Mr Godfrey was honoured with a 80-metre mural on the Aintree Walk of Honour depicting his likeness.
Mr Burquest said Mr Godfrey had always wanted to make it to 100, and when he did, AFL legend Kevin Sheedy visited to help celebrate.
“He was rapt,” Mr Burquest said.
He was a larrikin… He said ‘you know I barrack for Fitzroy, don’t ya Sheedy?’”
Mr Burquest said if Mr Godfrey had a life philosophy it was probably “stay happy and don’t worry too much”.
“We’re honoured to have known him, and honoured with his presence around the place. He’ll be remembered for a long time,” he said.
“I hope that on the last route march he’s resting in peace. He’ll go to the right place, he’s a good bloke.”
