Jack Braidie

John Leslie Braidie was born on January 6, 1923, the first-born child of James Albert (Bert) and Florence Annie Braidie. He was named after two of his father’s brothers, John and Leslie. Jack says, “Uncle John was always known as ‘Jack’ so I was Jack too - from the day I was born”. Bert was a saddler and came from Ballarat in 1917 to work with local Mildura saddler Frank Gallagher, before opening his own saddlery shop in Commercial Street, Merbein in 1919. Jack was born at home, which was a residence at the rear of the shop, delivered by Dr. Spargo. Bert and Flo had six more children, with Victor, Vena, Mary, Josephine, Irene and Robert being born in hospital. Their residence comprised two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and a long, enclosed veranda at the rear where most of the kids slept.