I migrated to Australia from India more than two decades ago.

But my grandfather Mehnga Singh had come to Australia in the early 1900s, and all I knew was that he worked in country towns as a hawker.

I’ve tirelessly searched for him ever since I’ve come to Australia and have now found detailed records through the National Archives in Canberra.

He came to NSW in 1920 and was fondly called “Charlie’ by the locals. He’d spent a year in Maitland, moved to Newcastle, traveled north to Innisfail and then settled in Camden in 1936. He lived at 23 Argyle Street, which was a bed and breakfast back then.

Many locals have described him to me – he was five foot 10 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes.

I’ve met people who knew of him in Camden and I’ve even found the place where he was buried. Recently my family has dedicated a memorial to him but we are seeking his photos.

We are still hoping that one day, I can find a photo and show it to my 93 year old Uncle too.