A locket close to his heart may have saved the life of Laverton man Albert Victor Hyde when a shell exploded in front of him during World War 1.
He is among 26 local men, including his brother Edward Ernest Hyde, whose stories will be revealed at the unveiling of an honour board at Old Laverton School on May 21.
Sergeant Albert Hyde’s son, Tarneit resident Glen Hyde, said his father was sent to Gallipoli in 1915 with the 14th Battalion before being transferred to the 46th Battalion and sent to France to fight the Germans.
He said his father had a miraculous escape while advancing across no man’s land when a shell exploded in front of him.
“His right leg was fractured in several places and his body riddled with shrapnel,” Mr Hyde said. “When he was eventually taken to hospital, the doctor was about to amputate his leg, but fortunately dad was conscious and begged the doctor not to amputate.
“An amount of shrapnel was removed from his body – approximately 26 pieces – but several pieces were left.
“We used to feel the shrapnel in dad’s arms, his back, his hand and above his right eye.”
Mr Hyde said the shrapnel was there until the day his father died.
“On enlisting and before going overseas, his fiancee, Irene Newland, gave him a locket which contained a photo of herself,” Mr Hyde said. “He wore this around his neck on a chain. A large piece of shrapnel struck this locket, destroying it but probably saving his life.”
When Sergeant Hyde returned from war, he married Irene.
Four of Irene’s brothers had also enlisted. Lindsay Newland was killed in action in Belgium; William and Herbert were wounded in France; and James, as a captain, was awarded a Victoria Cross in leading his men in three separate actions against the Germans.
Stories such as these will be shared at this month’s unveiling of the Laverton honour board at a free public event. It will be held at Old Laverton School, corner Kiora Street and Cameron Avenue, Altona Meadows, from 2pm on Saturday, May 21.
