SEVEN SOLDIER SONS - BROTHERS IN ARMS

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In World War II Seven Australian Brothers from Woorinen in Victoria enlisted to protect and fight for the country they loved. Four of the brothers would never see home again, and a family would be left torn apart. Fred Hutchins, was bashed to death by a Japanese guard with an iron fence picket on the 6th of July 1945 whilst a P.O.W on Ambon….. Aged 24yrs David Hutchins, died of starvation on the 26th of July 1945 whilst a P.O.W on Ambon…. Aged 33yrs. 16 days later the Japanese surrendered and the War in the Pacific was over.. Alan Hutchins, reported to have been shot by a Japanese Patrol whilst trying to evade captivity on Rabaul New Britain, March 31st 1942….. Aged 24yrs . Ivan Hutchins, served as a medic in Syria and New Guinea, spending weeks on the Kokoda Track - he survived the war, but suffered with his memories as a medic. He died on the 30th of September 1969….. Aged 53yrs William Hutchins, served in the Middle East, Tobruk, and New Guinea, he survived the war and moved to Swan Hill where he lived the rest of his life in peace. He died on the 21st of July 2001….. Aged 89yrs Malcolm Hutchins, served in the Middle East, Syria and New Guinea, he survived the war and took up a soldiers settlement in Katunga. He died on the 10th of August 1990..... Aged 80 yrs. Eric Hutchins, taken prisoner at Laha Airfield on Ambon. Between the 6th and 20th of February 1942, he was beheaded by the Japanese, and buried in 1 of 4 mass graves….. Aged 18yrs It had been 4 years without any word of their missing sons, in March 1946 the first telegram arrived, notifying them of Alan’s death. Three more arrived together within the week… No Australian Family would suffer a greater loss than the Hutchins Family in World War II…. Mary Hutchins never spoke of her lost sons, she died on the 20th November 1956..Aged 73yrs To find out more about their story visit: www.sevensoldiersons.com.au Henry Hutchins, died on the 11th of December 1965..Aged 77yrs