By MATT NICHOLLS
GEORGE Braund was not deaf and the circumstances of his death were a “cover up”, according to his grandson Ian.
It has forever been recorded that Braund was shot dead by one of his own men – a sentry – after failing to respond to calls.
Many books, including the Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918, claim Braund was hearing impaired and did not hear the sentry ask him to identify himself.
But grandson Ian Braund, who never met George, refuted claims that his grandfather was unable to hear clearly.
“He wasn’t deaf at all and that story was put in place to protect the sentry,” he said.
“It would have been pretty embarrassing for the sentry at the time.”
Mr Braund, who lives near Yamba, said his late father Arthur “Geoff” Braund spoke little about George Braund and the war, but always reiterated to his son that his father wasn’t deaf.
“I don’t think the sentry was to blame, they hadn’t had any sleep for days,” Mr Braund said.
Not long after Braund was killed at Gallipoli his two sons were shipped off to fight in France.
Both returned to Australian soil. Arthur lived until his late seventies, but Eric, who was gassed badly, didn’t make it into his sixties.
Mr Braund said war times were not spoken about in his household.
“My father was probably aware of the significant plaque honouring George Braund in Parliament House in Macquarie Street, but he never spoke about it or took us to have a look at it,” he said.
“He lost his father because of the war and virtually his brother as well, who was never the same after returning home.”
Despite the fact there are no Braund ancestors living in Armidale, the Braund Family Society says the city is still close to their heart.
“We meet up every couple of years and next year we are coming to Armidale as it will make 100 years since George’s death,” Mr Braund said.
“Last year we met in Canberra and toured the Australian War Memorial.”
Mr Braund said his grandfather was a “remarkable man” and his story should be known by all Armidale people.
“He was a great person and did a lot of things in Armidale before he went to war.”
