Navy cook proud but still questioning 'why?'

The former Navy cook turned truck driver marked his first Anzac Day in his newly adopted home of Wangaratta by sharing the occasion with his grandchildren.

Traditionally, Mr Pople, who served in the Navy from 1967 to 1979, spends April 25 with a mate in Sydney.

But the chance to spend the day with grade one Harry and grade three Charlotte, who marched for Wangaratta West Primary School in the parade was too tempting.

“The grandkids wore my medals,” Mr Pople said.

Having joined the Navy at 15½, earning the nickname Popeye from his father, Mr Pople served on HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Hobart.

He was a cook before becoming a sergeant with the naval police.

“It’s a reflection on the futility of war,” Mr Pople said of Anzac Day and in particular the casualties in World War I battles at Pozieres.

“There’s the population of Wangaratta in two battles that dropped off the face of earth.

“When you think about that, it’s unreal.

“They’re gone and for what - greed, religion, politics?”