Colin's Diary

Who Are They?

From Launch to Scrap The Asturias Story

Thomas (Tom) Anthony was born in Ireland in 1937. His father was killed during WWII and his mother, Martha, remarried to merchant seaman David Moore. Tom had two older brothers, Crawford and David Noel, and Martha and David had another son, Matthew.


In 1950 David convinced the family to move to Australia but Crawford (then aged 18) refused to go and stayed behind. They left Ireland in winter, and travelled on the SS Asturias in 1950, disembarking in Sydney on Boxing Day under a blistering sun.


They were sent to a farm at north Yalgogrin, where one of their first tasks was digging out rabbits!

David and Martha had another son, Brian, who was born in Australia.

David Moore (with Matthew), unknown woman, Martha Moore
Asturias 1950

Far left: Tom Anthony. David Noel Anthony is 6th from left looking down at the child with the white cap (Matthew Moore). Martha is leaning towards the child.
Yalgogrin, NSW circa 1953

Tom (Tit) Anthony eventually settled into Australia, married and had three children, including Peter Anthony who submitted this article.

Tom eventually returned to his homeland after 50 years to see his brother Crawford and 'they felt they'd never left each other'.

Peter says that Tom is still the life of the party and loves to sing. He wrote a poem about his father's experience "Tit's Journey" ....

Click on poem to read