WHEN Miranda resident Frank Tierney emigrated from Ireland as a 22-year-old in 1972, he believed he was the first of his large family to make the long trip to the southern hemisphere to make his home in Australia.
But a few months ago his sister Stephanie, in Ireland, came across a book Forgotten Heroes which named the Galway soldiers in Ireland who fought and died in World War I (1914-18).
Among the names listed was Patrick Joseph Lydon — Mr Tierney's grand-uncle.
The big surprise was that Mr Tierney's long-lost uncle had fought for the 42nd AIF and was killed in action in Belgium in 1917.
"The family couldn't believe that there had been such an Australian connection for so long without our knowledge of it," Mr Tierney said.
"Until now, I always thought I was the first member of the family to move to Australia, followed by my brother Michael."
Since the discovery, the Tierney family on both sides of the world have researched the records to find out more about their long-lost grand-uncle who was born in Ireland and became an Aussie Digger.
"Patrick Joseph Lydon was one of 17 children and arrived in Australia as a 22-year-old in 1915," Mr Tierney said.
"After only a few months in his new adopted country Patrick enlisted with the Australian forces in January of 1916 at Enoggera in Brisbane.
"Five months later he was on a ship HMAT Borda en route to Southampton with 1031 other soldiers from the 42nd AIF.
"On June 7, 1917, the 42nd participated in major battles at Messines in Belgium. Patrick was killed in action on June 10."
He is buried in Bethleem Farm cemetery outside Mesen in Belgium alongside 44 other servicemen.
Mr Tierney and his wife Michele visited the grave for the first time recently on behalf of the family.
Last week they held a family reunion at Miranda in celebration of Patrick's service and sacrifice.
Mr Tierney's older brother, John, 66, arrived in Sydney from Ireland on Good Friday and will march in the city on Anzac Day wearing copies of Patrick's medals, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
"We decided John as the eldest brother should march," Mr Teirney said.
"My own personal feeling is it that it is unfinished business for the family, especially for Patrick."
The family's Australian military connection has continued with Mr Tierney's nephew and Michael's son, Jack, recently being accepted into Duntroon Military College in Canberra.