It’s called mateship – and it transcends nationality.

Sergeant David Baldwyn of the Royal Marines served under a different flag, but always attends the Anzac Services at Uniting AgeWell’s Manor Lakes Community where he lives.

There the 90-year-old stands shoulder to shoulder with Australian and New Zealanders united by gratitude to all those who defended their country, many paying the ultimate price.

“It’s important to me to show my respect,” says David. “That’s what soldiers do.”

It’s Anzac Day on Saturday 25 April and services are being held across Uniting AgeWell’s residential sites to pay tribute to the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and to commemorate all Australians who serve and have served in times of peace and war.

David served in the Royal Marines for 27 years and was part of “the army behind the army” as the payroll officer on board. He was charged with supporting the specialised troops and their families as they served in Malta, Cyprus, Suez, Malaya, Borneo, Singapore, Aden and Kuwait.

“I was in touch with the families to make sure they were looked after while their loved ones were away,” explains David. “I always felt a bit sea sick, especially in rough weather, but I loved being able to provide them with support. The troops appreciated it so much too. It gave them comfort, it was one less thing they had to worry about.”

David knows the importance of comfort. He still has vivid memories of the terror he felt as a youngster as bombs rained down on his neighbourhood during WWII

He also knows the importance of family, because growing up he didn’t have one.

“I was the oldest of seven children, and Mum died when I was 11-years-old,” he says. “My Dad wasn’t around so us kids were split up and all sent to children’s homes. I have no idea where my brothers and sisters are or even if they’re alive.”

He did his National Service and joined the Royal Marines. It was while he was serving in Malta that he met the love of his life – beautiful local resident, Ursula.

“We fell in love, I knew straight away that she was the one,” he says. They were married in the UK and enjoyed 61 years of marriage before she passed away in 2020.

Together they created what David had always craved, a family. They shared two children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and moved to Melbourne to be closer to their daughter. Their son and his family live in Germany.

Now at Manor Lakes, he is finding a new type of chosen family. Uniting AgeWell is both honoured and proud that war veterans like David have chosen us to walk beside them on their ageing journey.

Lest we forget.