Isabella Bates has experienced a childhood many other children her age could not imagine.
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At eight years of age Isabella can drive military vehicles, tell the history of different vehicles and knows the importance of the men and women who served for Australia.
Daughter of Malmesbury farmer and Khaki Vehicle Enthusiast (KVE) member, Bill Bates, Isabella has attended the annual Corowa Swim In event since 2012.
Many members of the Bates family have served in previous wars including Bill’s father, a WWII soldier.
“Isabella realises the sacrifice that was made and why we do this. We want to keep their memory alive,” Bill said.
Each year, Isabella attends different events with her father, often donning a military nurse uniform.
“We go and do cenotaphs on ANZAC Day and I do a bit of ceremonial work with the Vietnam Veterans Association. It makes the other children her age realise it is so important to keep those memories going.”
For Isabella, coming to Corowa is always a memorable experience.
“I always have fun. I think it is important to remember the men and women who sacrificed their life for us,” Isabella said.
This year, Bill and Isabella brought their mother’s 1942 Ford Jeep ‘Chloe’, named after one of Isabella’s dolls. It is one of many military vehicles that the Bates family owns.
The jeep was originally used by the American services before being transported to Australia, with ties to the Occupation of Japan and the Korean War.
While Isabella is fond of the jeep ‘Chloe’, her father encourages his daughter to ride in different vehicles each year.
“We get her in different vehicles so that she gets to experience how they operate, what they feel like to ride in and what it might have been like when they were used in war.”
Isabella’s passion for military vehicles and her understanding of their history gives Bill great pride.
“I’m very lucky that I’ve got a daughter that enjoys doing this and is willing to come along. For us it’s a family thing now. We love it. We will keep doing it for as long as we possibly can,” Bill said.
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