ACT Heritage Library Manuscript Collections
HMSS 0475 Ken Laycock Photographs
| Call Number | HMSS 0475 |
|---|---|
| Collection | Ken Laycock Photographs |
| Date Range | 1938-1950 |
| Quantity | 0.01 m (1 folder) |
| Access Conditions | open |
| Copying Conditions | with attribution |
| Related Collections |
Ken Laycock was born on the 14th August 1920 in Maryville, Newcastle.
At age 16 years he applied for a scholarship at the Sydney Teachers College as well as entrance to both the NSW Public Service and the Commonwealth Public Service. Whilst completing his teaching scholarship at the Redfern Public School in February 1937, Ken was offered jobs in both the Commonwealth Public Service in Canberra as a base Grade Clerk and with the NSW Public Service as a Cadet Draftsman. Ken accepted the position in Canberra based on the better pay and working conditions offered at the time.
In 1938 the Commonwealth Government began to build up strength in the 'Commonwealth Military Forces'. Canberra at that point had a company of 3rd Infantry Battalion (Werriwa Regiment). With about 500 others, Ken joined the Werriwa Regiment in 1938 and became Private K.G. Laycock N42941.
Ken moved to Sydney for a period of 6 months at the end of June 1939 and transferred to the 55th Battalion (NSW Rifle Regiment) allowing him to be closer to his hometown of Newcastle. In September 1942 the 3rd Infantry Battalion was sent to the Kokoda Track. Initially he and the 3rd Battalion were used as labourers on works in and around Port Moresby but in June he fell ill with dysentery and was hospitalised. The 3rd Battalion were sent on to the Kokoda Track in September 1942 but Laycock did not join them until October when they were at Menari. On 16 October Laycock and his company reached Templeton's Crossing. While on patrol near Templeton's Crossing on 19 October, Laycock was wounded at close quarters by machine gun fire to the lower left leg. He finally arrived at a hospital near Port Moresby more than nine weeks after being wounded.
After returning to Australia Laycock was attached to the District Finance Office of the Army in Sydney before being discharged and returning to Canberra.
Ken was officially discharged on 13th May 1944 as being deemed unfit for service.
Ken Laycock was married on New Years Day in 1942 and he died in Canberra on 12th January 2006.
SOURCES:
ACT Memorial Kenneth George Laycock
Memories of a Militiaman 1938-1944 by K.G Laycock ACT HERITAGE LIBRARY
| Image Number | Description | Photographer | Size | Colour or Black and White | Date Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barry Mason, Frank Fisher and Colin Kenny outside Commonwealth Solar Observatory, Mt Stromlo ACT | Ken Laycock | 9 cm x 12.5 cm | Black and White | 1938 |
| 2 | Parked cars taken from the steps of Old Parliament House, Parkes | Ken Laycock | 4.5 cm x 5.5 cm | Black and White | 1950 |
| 3 | Canberra Olympic Pool, Civic | Ken Laycock | 4.5 cm x 5.5 cm | Black and White | Circa 1955 |
| 4 | Cotter Dam | Ken Laycock | 7 cm x 11.5 cm | Black and White | 1950 |
| 5 | Bellona bust on concrete plinth at the end of Commonwealth Avenue | Ken Laycock | 7 cm x 11.5 cm | Black and White | 1940 |
| 6 | Bellona bust on concrete plinth at the end of Commonwealth Avenue | Ken Laycock | 16.5 cm x 22 cm | Black and White | 1940 |
| 7 | 1928 Hubmobile with painted white stripes outside the original National Library building on Kings Avenue, Barton | Ken Laycock | 16.5 cm x 22 cm | Black and White | Circa 1950 |