FFFAIF FOUNDERDr John Laffin
Australian Dr John Laffin was one of the world's most distinguished military historians.
Both Johns parents served with the Australian Imperial Force during W W1. His father was an infantry officer, and his mother a nursing sister. John was born in 1922 and grew up in a house where much of the adult conversations concerned memories of the war .From an early age the deeds of the Diggers were instilled to him. In WW2. John served for five years in the second AIF and was a veteran of the Kokoda Trail campaigns
Many Australians with an interest in World War I will be familiar with the writings of the late John Laffin. Author of such books as Digger, Damn the Dardanelles, Western Front 1916-17 and 1917-18, British Butchers & Bunglers of W.W.I, Digging up the Diggers War, We Will Remember Them and Guide to the Australian Battlefields of the Western Front 1916-1918.
John earned a reputation both here and overseas for his commitment to honouring the memory of those who served in the AIF.
Together with wife Hazelle, who was his constant companion, John spent many years following the historic steps of the Diggers on the Western Front.
Before his untimely death in 2000, John Laffin commenced the first steps in forming an association that would be open to the 'families and friends of the First AIF'.
The 'FFFAIF' has now been incorporated and will be launched at a public lecture to be held around Hamel Day (4 July) in 2003. Members of the FFFAIF will be invited to attend the lecture to be given by a distinguished figure. Two other lecture days are envisaged for the FFFAIF - one in Sydney in May and one in country NSW (possibly Dubbo) in November. In the meantime, the first issue of 'Digger', the FFFAIF's newsletter is available free to interested persons and prospective members. Please contact the Membership Secretary, Alan Kitchen, 11 Faye Avenue, Blakehurst, NSW 2221 or phone 02 9594 0254. Alternatively, messages can be sent to fffaif@optusnet.com.au
John Laffin has left the next generations a wonderful legacy. His work and love for the Diggers is inspirational.
It is impossible to read his books without feeling a sense of great pride, and humbled by the great sacrifice of our Diggers.
Yves Fohlen from France met John Laffin and learnt much from him. Yves and Anny DeDecker (John's partner before he passed away.)
are now the Western Front representatives of the FFFAIF They continue Johns great work and act as tour guides of the Battlefields. Yves has helped many Australian people, including myself, in our Remembrance to the men that never came home.
The Spirit of our Anzacs and John Laffin continues through Yves, Anny and the newly formed FFFAIF
Lest We Forget
More Information about the FFFAIF can be found at thier website
Information from -
http://www.anzacday.org.au
Australian battlefields of the Western Front- by John Laffin
