Remembrance Day's extra significance for Kelley family

For Adelaide 36ers Executive Chairman and Owner Grant Kelley, the club’s Australian Defence Force Appreciation Game on Sunday held a deep personal significance that extends far beyond the basketball court.

In a speech to an RSL gathering at Torrens Parade Ground last month, Grant spoke about his great-grandfather and grandfather, who served in the First and Second World Wars respectively.

Grant’s great-grandfather, Major George Shaw OBE served with distinction in the 10^th Australian Infantry Battalion during World War I and his bravery was recognised by being Mentioned in Despatches in 1916.

Later, during the Second World War, Major Shaw held the role of Commissioner of Civil Defense for the State of South Australia.

Grant’s grandfather Sergeant Charles Giles fought in Tobruk and in Papua during World War II as one of thousands of Australians who displayed extraordinary resilience and sacrifice on foreign soil.

Their stories, which Grant has researched over a number of years, are a source of immense pride for the Kelley family and a reminder of the values of duty, courage, and community.

“Colonel Shaw actually was given the rank of captain very quickly, was in the original landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula of 1915 and was the last officer from the 10^th Battalion to be evacuated,” Grant said of his great grandfather.

“In 1916 he was deployed to France, which for a young Australians was probably an adventure initially but of course turned into terrible carnage.

“He had several temporary commands of the 10^th Battalion, prior to being promoted to command of the 12 Battalion, but got shot up within a matter of weeks and was hospitalised in London and then repatriated Adelaide.

“One of his soldiers said of him that ‘He is one of the gamest officers we have struck. We will follow wherever he likes to lead us’.  I think this gives a sense of the man and his ability to lead.”

The family tradition with the armed forces continued with Sergeant Giles’s service during the Second World War.

Grant described his grandfather as an “incredible man” who he was “super proud of”.

“Charlie, or ‘Gump’ as he was known to his grandkids, declared his age at 37 when the war broke out, but insisted that he’d go and fight,” he explained.

“Milne Bay, where my grandfather served as part of the 2^nd/10^th Battalion, was the first time the Japanese forces suffered defeat on land in the Second World War.

“They'd lost the key naval Battle of Midway several months prior, which prevented an invasion of Australia, but these incredible South Australians were part of the 18th Brigade, who were known as The Fighting 18th, renowned for their courage and valour.

“There are no books written on my grandfather, but there didn't need to be because he is the greatest man I ever knew, a massive influence on me as I grew up."

The 36ers honoured the ADF during the Remembrance Round game against Perth on Sunday, giving Grant an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served and continue to serve - including the two men who helped shape his own family history. 

The 36ers wore a special jersey featuring a poppy on the top left of the chest and on the back for the clash with Perth.