Gilbert Henry Riley ¹

   User ID: 3.

  General Notes:

Gilbert Riley was born on his parents' first wedding anniversary. When he first met Connie Jordan, he pretended that he was one year older than he actually was. Connie then worked out that he must have been born on the day his parents were married.

The Russell family who owned the building on the corner in served notice on the Rileys' lease. Gilbert moved the shop to the shop next to his house (later the CBA bank) and his sister, Meg, moved the post office to its present site.

After returning from New Guinea, Gilbert worked in his father's bakehouse.

Gilbert began working with Syd Crawford at the Winnaleah Garage. They had done their apprenticeshi ps together at Reeman & Manning in Launceston.

The Winnaleah shop was sold to Ricky Rattray.

Gilbert was sent to live with his uncle, Roy McCormack, who had a shop in Tunbridge. He was there for several months.

M & F Eddy, drapers, was purchased by HG & L Riley. Initially Connie sold drapery in the new shop, but then the groceries were moved there as well. With the introduction of decimal currency in February 1966 the shop was converted to self-service.

The final rent of the Pioneer shop was paid to LA Wood. A weekly rent of £1 was paid in 1965. Over 10 years later only $2 per week was paid.

Agreement for sale of Mace's shop to Gilbert Riley for £1500.

Gilbert Riley was 'inducted and installed as a Certified Primo' in the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.

Gilbert Riley was installed as a 'Knight of the Order of Merit' in the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes at Branxholm.

Gilbert Riley was 'inscribed upon the Honourable Scroll of Illustrious Knights of the Grand Australian Banner for long and devoted services in the interest of our Ancient and Honourable Order'.

Gilbert Riley was admitted to Dorset Lodge.

Gilbert Riley was admitted to 'Royal Arch Degree of Free Masonry'. ^{1 3}

  Birth Notes:

Born at Nurse Field's, Hillside Crescent, Launceston, Tasmania

  Death Notes:

North East Soldiers Memorial (NESM) Hospital, Scottsdale

  Noted events in his life were:

• Milit-Serv: Abt 1943. ¹ T20388 Cpl. GH Riley, Tas Force Signals. Night leave pass.

• Occupation: Abt 1937. ¹ Gilbert Riley began a mechanical apprenticeship with Reeman and Manning, Launceston.
This entitled him to a special licence for 15 year old mechanics apprentices. For a period
of time he stayed in an Invermay boarding house. His cousin Roly McCormack was also there. Gilbert was know for his pranks at the boarding house.

• Milit-Beg: 1941. ^{1 3} Gilbert Riley was called up to join Line of Communication Signals. Initially he was stationed at Beaumaris, Hobart, travelling regularly on a motorbike to Mona Vale. He was then sent to training camps in Victoria and Queensland. He left from Devonport. Connie went to Devonport to see him off. The night before he left they saw the film 'A man called
Peter'. Some of his mother's relations came to see him off as well. He was stationed at
Bonagillacamp in Queensland and then he moved to New Guinea. He was sent home
in late 1944 to help his ill father in the family business.

• Education: ¹ Gilbert attended the Winnaleah State School. He then went to a small school run by Mrs Counsell at Rocklyn, Winnaleah.

• Occupation: Abt 1939. ¹ Gilbert Riley completed his apprenticeship with Reeman and Manning and returned to work inhis father's business at Winnaleah.

• Milit-Serv: Abt 1940. ¹ Gilbert Riley and one of his friends from Reeman and Manning, Syd Crawford, applied to join the air force. Gilbert's application was rejected. He continued to work in the shop at Winnaleah until he was called up.

Gilbert married Living

  Marriage Notes:

Married at C Of E., Derby, Tas, Australia