The story of a young Forbes digger who died in the Gallipoli campaign, and his descendant’s journey to learn more about his life, is coming to Forbes Town Hall.
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George Edward Bradford had barely celebrated his first wedding anniversary when he enlisted for military service in January 1915.
He kissed Ruby and their new baby John Edward goodbye and reported for training.
But tragedy struck the young family.
Their infant son died and Bradford came home only briefly for the funeral and to bid his grieving wife goodbye before he sailed out for service on April 10.
George Edward Bradford would die in the Gallipoli campaign. His name appears on the honour roll at Forbes war memorial. His portrait hung on the wall of the family home.
What little was known about Bradford’s story touched his great, great nephew Mark Salvestro, and about the time of the Gallipoli landing centenary he began to search for more information.
Salvestro came to Forbes three years ago to start his research with the help of the Forbes Family History Rooms and other locals.
From his experience Salvestro wrote Buried at Sea which he has performed around the Eastern states.
In it, he invites the audience on an intimate journey as he strives to discover the life of his Great Great Uncle, George Edward Bradford.
Having performed to critical acclaim in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and the Snowy Mountains, ‘Buried at Sea’ will play its final show here on April 21.
“The show has been so well received as we’ve toured across Australia the past two years, and it seemed fitting to perform its final show back in Forbes where the story began,” Salvestro said.
Buried at Sea is a one-man show interweaving ancestry, letters, songs and storytelling.
It is a trip through time, nostalgia and romance, featuring familiar songs of the era, such as ‘Pack Up Your Troubles’, ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’ and ‘Oh, You Beautiful Doll’.
Salvestro is planning a 2pm show and a 7.30pm show at Forbes Town Hall.
Locals are being encouraged to book their tickets in advance.
Tickets are available through Glass Menagerie in Templar Street or at www.marksalvestro.com
Critics have acclaimed Buried at Sea as “hilarious, touching and wrenching in all its honesty” (Arts Hub, 4½ stars).
Read more: Family seeks out Bradford’s tragic story
