Rochester and surrounds has been home for many veterans over various conflicts.
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Thanks to the hard work of the Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society, their stories have been preserved for generations to come.
This includes the stories of Steven Foster and his family, Les Snelling, Percival Thomas Speers and William Ernest Pittaway.
In the lead-up to Anzac Day, Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society president Kaye Speers has shared insights into these veterans’ lives.
Steven, Kerrie and Aimee Foster
Warrant Officer Steven Foster was born in Rochester to John and Lois Foster, who still live in town.
He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force on January 6, 1987, aged 16.
This was the beginning of 31 years in the permanent air force, thus far, and seven years in the active reserves.
Starting as an apprentice aircraft engine fitter, Warrant Officer Foster graduated on August 4, 1988, and was posted to No. 492 Maintenance Squadron at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia.
There he worked on Lockheed Martin P-3 aircraft.
In July 1990, Warrant Officer Foster was posted to No. 3 Aircraft Depot RAAF Amberley, Queensland, working on General Dynamics F-111 strike attack bomber aircraft.
Warrant Officer Foster was posted to No. 36 Squadron as a C-130H Hercules flight engineer in April 1997.
In February 1998, he moved to No. 37 Squadron as a C-130E Hercules flight engineer.
Warrant Officer Foster was later posted to the No. 33 Squadron as a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport air refueller.
He separated from the permanent air force in 2018, remaining in the active reserves.
Warrant Officer Foster is currently posted to No. 33 Squadron as an air refueller specialist.
Warrant Officer Foster’s wife Kerry is also involved in the RAAF, holding the rank of Leading Aircraftwoman.
The couple’s eldest daughter, Aimee, has followed in her parents’ footsteps, becoming a Flying Officer in the RAAF.
Warrant Officer Foster has received 15 military honours and awards, including the Australian Defence Medal in 2007, 2011 Australia Day Medallion and medals for the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns.
He was involved in operations Slipper, Catalyst, Anode, Bastille, Astute and Warden in Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor.
Les Snelling
Vietnam War veteran Les Snelling lives in Rochester with his wife, Jeanette.
Mr Snelling enlisted in the Australian Armed Forces on May 1, 1968, as a regular soldier.
On March 25, 1970, he was posted to Vietnam to the 1st Armoured Regiment, located at Nui Dat in the Phuoc Tuy Province, south Vietnam.
His role was as Corporal Crew Commander of Centurion Armoured Tank in 3 Troop, call sign 13 bravo.
Reflecting on his time in Vietnam, Mr Snelling said 3 Troop was recorded as spending the longest amount of time away from base camp, clocking 83 continuous days in the field.
After 372 days in Vietnam, Mr Snelling’s posting finished on March 31, 1971.
Mr Snelling’s son, Warrant Officer Brett Snelling, joined the army at 16.
WO1 Snelling completed 33 years in the Royal Australian Mechanical Engineers as a fitter and turner.
He was a Warrant Officer Class One and is still active in the reserves.
Percival Thomas Speers
Percival Thomas Speers was born in Bendigo in 1913, listing Elmore as his locality when he enlisted in the Australian Armed Forces in June 1942.
He was the son of William and Emma Speers and grandson of John Speer, who settled in Corop in the 1800s.
During his time in the army, Mr Speers had the title of corporal, serving for 1424 days.
This included 228 days in Papua New Guinea and time in Darwin.
Mr Speers was discharged in February 1946 as military provost or police.
During a break of leave in 1944, Mr Speers married Joyce Elizabeth Hill on April 12.
The couple welcomed children Barry (dec.) in February 1946 and Kaye in December 1947.
Mr Speers passed away in March 1991 and is buried at Rochester Cemetery.
The Speers/Speer family often meets for reunions, with an Anzac Day get-together set for this weekend, spending time at the Rochester Cemetery and in Corop.
William Ernest (Bill) Pittaway
Bill Pittaway was born in September 1924 in Bendigo, enlisting in the RAAF in 1943 at age 19.
As a Leading Aircraftman, Mr Pittaway served at Rocklands Reservoir, RAAF Base Richmond, Townsville and Bougainville.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Australia Service Medal 1939-45 and Returned from Active Service badge.
Mr Pittaway was discharged in February 1946 and returned to work at the Lockington butchers, before moving to the Rochester butchers in 1966.
A life member of Rochester RSL, he also served as the group’s treasurer.
He married Lorna Oliver on January 6, 1945, while on leave from the war, and the couple welcomed sons Kevin and Denis (dec).
William Ernest (Bill) Pittaway passed away on March 13, 2025, at the age of 100 and is buried at Rochester Cemetery.
Lorna, aged 101, lives at Harmony Village in Shepparton.
Cadet Journalist