I've previously posted about all the brave men in the family who sailed off overseas to fight in World War 1 (click on this link: Lest We Forget) and now it's time to pay tribute to all the women and the men on my family tree who served Australia's cause in the second World War.
The family members highlighted in this post were members of what has come to be known as the "greatest generation". This was a generation who knew real hardship and heartache and withstood the trials and tribulations that came their way with great fortitude and forbearance.
They were mostly born in the 1900s to 1920s and lived through very difficult times bought on by economic stress and global warfare. They were born during or just after WW1, grew up or came of age during the Great Depression and served during WW11. They left an amazing legacy of integrity, commitment, self-sacrifice, personal responsibility, frugality and a strong work ethic.
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When looking over the records of the 84 family members I've researched so far, I noted a few interesting points:
When it came to the military branch most of the family members served with, there was a clear winner.
- The majority of these relatives, 41 in all, served with the 2nd AIF - the Second Australian Imperial Force - the name given to the volunteer personnel of the Australian Army who served worldwide. The 2nd AIF was disbanded after WW11.
- 23 served with the Citizens Military Forces - partly conscripted and liable for service within Australia and a defined area in the South West Pacific. The CMF were initially involved in garrison duties at home in Australia and New Guinea, which was an Australian territory at the time. This all changed when Japan entered the war on the 8th of December, 1941 though. A number of the CMF units served overseas during the Pacific War as well. 1941 also saw the VDC (Volunteer Defence Corps) officially incorporated into The Australian Army as part of the CMF.
- There were several who served with both the CMF and the AIF at different times during their war service, but I have only included them in the numbers for the AIF.
- 20 family members served with the RAAF - the Royal Australian Air Force.
- 34 enlisted fairly early on, in either 1940 or 1941, when the theatres of war only included Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa.
- 50 enlisted in 1942 to 1944 when the horrors of war moved closer to home.
I found the ages of enlistment quite interesting as well.
- 18 enlisted before they had turned 20 - when they were 17, 18 or 19.
- 33 enlisted when they were in their 20s.
- 21 enlisted when they were in their 30s.
- 9 were in their 40s, including Robert Dooley, Albert Hokin and Alan Desmond Whitbread Johnston who re-enlisted after serving in WW1.
- 3 were in their 50s, including Cyril Ernest Connors and Charles Barrow who had both served in WW1; and there was also one fellow, Eugene John McQuilty, who was one year shy of 60 when he enlisted!!!
On my maternal side:
1. Common Ancestors: my maternal great grandparents Owen McCane (Muckian) and Margaret Farrell.
Thomas Owen McCane 1899-1967, my maternal great uncle.
Son of Owen McCane (Muckian) and Margaret Farrell. Known as 'Tom'.
Enlisted at the age of 43 with the CMF/VDC.
Served part-time with the 15th (QLD) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in Queensland, Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: State School Teacher
Edward Joseph McCane 1923 - 2009, my maternal 1st cousin once removed.
Son of Thomas Owen McCane (listed above) and Agnes Theresa Parnell. Known as 'Teddy'.
He then served as a Wireless Assistant at the RAAF Station Tocumwal in New South Wales, Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: School Teacher.
Leonard Ashley Bidgood 1920 - 1999, my maternal 1st cousin once removed.
Son of Frank Alexander Bidgood and Susan Mary McCane.
Enlisted at the age of 20 with the CMF.
Served with the 31st Battalion D Company in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Discharged in 1942 because he was needed for essential service with the railways.
Occupation before enlistment: Railway Employee
Ernest Alfred Bidgood 1922 - 1973, my maternal 1st cousin once removed.
Son of Frank Alexander Bidgood and Susan Mary McCane. Known as 'Ernie'.
Brother of Leonard Ashley Bidgood (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 20 with the CMF/VDC.
Served with the 22nd (QLD) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in Queensland, Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Farmer
Ernest's name is inscribed on the North Queensland Garden of Remembrance memorial which stands on the Strand in Townsville, north Queensland, Australia.
Edward Michael Lawlor, 1920 - 2022, brother-in-law of Leonard & Ernest (listed above).
Son of Edward Lawlor and Gretta Grace Dunstan. Known as 'Ted'.
Husband of my maternal 1st cousin once removed, Irene Alma (Bon) Bidgood, sister of Leonard & Ernest.
(Connection by marriage to my maternal great grandparents Owen McCane (Muckian) and Margaret Farrell).
Enlisted at the age of 20 with the AIF.
Served with the C Squadron of the 2nd/4th Armoured Regiment in New Guinea.
Occupation before enlistment: Unemployed.
2. Common Ancestors: my maternal 2x great grandparents, Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney (Downey).
John Michael Farrell 1905 - 1989, my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed.
Son of Michael Farrell and Hannah Margaret Hynes.
Enlisted as the age of 34 with the AIF.
Served as an Accountant with the Australian Army Canteen Services with the 2nd/25th Australian Infantry Battalion in the Middle East & New Guinea, and in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Clerk
John's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Victorian Garden of Remembrance at Springvale in Victoria, Australia.
Edward Francis Farrell 1911 - 1977, my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed.
Son of Michael Farrell and Hannah Margaret Hynes.
Brother of John Michael Farrell (listed above).
Strangely, his name is recorded as 'Edward Farrell Farrell' on many of his military service records!
Enlisted at the age of 33 with the AIF.
Served as an engine fitter with the 60th Australian Corps Field Park Company (Engineers) in Indonesia & Borneo, as well as Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Labourer.
Laurine Florence Farrell 1916 - 2015, my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed.
Daughter of Michael Farrell and Hannah Margaret Hynes.
Sister of both Edward Francis and John Michael Farrell (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 25 with the RAAF.
Served in Wireless/Telegraphic Stations in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Typist
Alan Desmond Whitbread Johnston 1899 - 1964, husband of my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed, Margaret Hilda Shaw.
Son of James Barret Johnston and Annie Ethel Beatrice Tooth.
(Connection by marriage to my maternal 2x great grandparents, Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney (Downey).
Served with both the AIF and CMF/VDC during WW11 and had two Service Nos. QX17363 (AIF) and Q140765 (CMF).
Served with the 2nd/26th Australian Infantry Battalion (AIF) in Australia and Malaya.
Then served at the VDC (Volunteer Defence Corps) Headquarters.
Occupation before enlistment: Cane Inspector.
3. Common Ancestors: my maternal 2x great grandparents James Burke and Catherine Crotty.
Joseph Vincent Burke 1907 - 1995, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of Maurice Burke and Mary Ann Murphy.
Enlisted at the age of 34 with the CMF.
Served with the 4th Field Regiment in Bougainville & New Guinea.
Occupation before enlistment: Mail Officer
John Gregory Burke 1917 - 1995, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of Maurice Burke and Mary Ann Murphy.
Brother of Joseph Vincent Burke (listed above). Known as 'Jack'.
Enlisted at the age of 22 with the CMF.
Served with the 25th Australian Infantry Battalion in New Guinea, Bougainville & Solomon Islands, as well as Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Clerk.
John's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Queensland Garden of Remembrance in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Maurice Augustine Burke 1909 - 1992, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of Maurice Burke and Mary Ann Murphy.
Brother to both John Gregory and Joseph Vincent Burke (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 32 with the RAAF.
Served with the RAAF's 3rd Central Recovery Depot based in Amberley, Queensland, in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Railway Clerk.
Terence Vincent Wilkes 1912 - 1991. Brother-in-law of Joseph, John and Maurice (listed above).
Son of Ferdinand John Wilkes.
Married to my maternal 2nd cousin once removed, Monica Josephine Burke, sister of Joseph Vincent, John Gregory and Maurice Augustine Burke.
(Connection by marriage to my 2x great grandparents James Burke and Catherine Crotty).
Enlisted at the age of 29.
Served with both the CMF and AIF during the war. He had two Service Nos. Q147263 and QX43222.
Served with the 14th Works Company (AIF) in Australia & Indonesia.
Occupation before enlistment: Cordial Maker.
More information about the Works / Labour / Employment / 'Alien' Companies: Link
Edward Francis Dever 1924 - 1997, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of James Bernard Dever and Bridget Mary Burke. Known as 'Ned'.
Enlisted at the age of 17 with the RAAF.
Served with the 33rd Squadron in Townsville, Australia, and in New Guinea.
Occupation before enlistment: Assistant to Commission Agent.
Edward's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
Maurice Patrick Dever 1912 - 1987, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of James Bernard Dever and Bridget Mary Burke.
Brother to Edward Francis Dever (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 28 with the AIF.
Served with the 2nd/2nd Australian Composite Anti-Aircraft Regiment (artillery support) in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Blacksmith Assistant.
4. Common Ancestors: my 2x great grandparents Patrick Muckian and Sarah McCann.
James Gerard McCabe 1920 - 1999, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.
(Also known as James Gerry McCabe).
Son of William Joseph McCabe and Elizabeth Rocks.
Enlisted at the age of 22 with the CMF.
Served with the 31st/51st (Amalgamated) Australian Infantry Battalion in Australia, New Guinea, & Indonesia.
Occupation before enlistment: Laboratory Boy.
Patrick Gerard McCabe 1921 - 1994, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of William Joseph McCabe and Elizabeth Rocks.
Brother to James (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 20 with the AIF.
Served with the 2nd/1st Field Company (artillery) in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Labourer.
On my paternal side:
1. Common Ancestors: my paternal grandparents George Connors and Grace Brown.
Thomas Richard Connors 1911-1972, my paternal uncle.
Son of George Connors and Grace Brown. Known as 'Tommy'.
Thomas's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Queensland Garden of Remembrance in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Reginald Frederick Connors 1924 - 1996, my paternal uncle.
Son of George Connors and Grace Brown.
Brother to Thomas (listed above). Known as 'Reggie'.
John Frederick Hodgins 1909 - 1994, brother-in-law to Thomas and Reginald (listed above).
Son-in-law of George Connors and Grace Brown. Known as 'Bunny'.
Husband of my paternal aunt Betty Patricia Connors, sister to Thomas Richard and Reginald Frederick Connors.
(Connection by marriage to my paternal grandparents George Connors and Grace Brown).
Cyril Ernest Connors 1888 - 1942, my paternal great uncle.
Son of Thomas Edgar Connors and Susannah Fullagar Hukins.
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| Photo from WW1 |
Had previously served in WW1 with the AIF, and fought at Gallipoli. Served with the 6th Light Horse Regiment and the 1st Camel Brigade.
Re-enlisted at the age of 52 with the CMF/VDC.
Served with the 8th Garrison Battalion and was posted at the Headquarters of the Volunteer Defence Force in New South Wales, Australia
Occupation before re-enlistment: Labourer
Special Note: Whilst Cyril died in 1942, he did not die in conflict. He died of illness at the Yaralla Military Hospital in Concord, New South Wales. His name is however inscribed at the Australian War Memorial.
Cyril's name is inscribed on the Baerami Creel Roll of Honour Memorial at Baerami, Muswellbrook,
and the Berry Honour Roll at Berry, in New South Wales.
His name is also inscribed on Panel 94 on the Wall of Honour at the Australian War Memorial.
There is also a monument standing in the Alstonville Cemetery, in New South Wales, in honour of Cyril.
Thomas James Connors 1922 - 1994, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.
Son of Cyril Ernest Connors (listed above) and Vera Agnes Coleman.
Erice Alfred Connors 1917 - 1975, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.
Son of Frederick Augustus Connors and Florence Maud Mackney.
Cyril James Connors 1927 - 2019, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.
Son of Frederick Augustus Connors and Florence Maud Mackney.
Brother to Erice Alfred (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 18 with the AIF.
Served with the 2nd M D B I P O D (Military District Bulk Issue Petrol & Oil Depot) in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Tobacco Assembler.
Francis Henry Connors 1922 - , my paternal 1st cousin once removed.
Son of Frederick Augustus Connors and Florence Maud Mackney. Known as 'Frank'.
Brother to both Erice Alfred and Cyril James Connors (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 20 with the AIF.
Served with the 106th Light Field Ambulance in New South Wales, Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Labourer.
William James Connors 1902 - 1958, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.
Son of John Edgar Connors and Catherine Ann Crummy.
Enlisted at the age of 39 with the CMF.
Served with the 16 Garrison Battalion in New South Wales, Australia. The 16 Garrison Battalion was formed to guard prisoner of war and internment camps.
Occupation before enlistment: Motor Car Salesman.
Cyril Ernest Bates 1917 - 2004, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.
Son of John George Bates and Mary Ellen Connors.
Enlisted at the age of 24 with the AIF.
Served with the 2nd/12th Australian Infantry Battalion in New Guinea & Borneo.
Occupation before enlistment: Sawyer.
James Erice Bates 1909 - 1985, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.
Son of John George Bates and Mary Ellen Connors.
Brother of Cyril Ernest Bates (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 33 with the AIF.
Served with the 2nd/7th Australian Commando Regiment in New Guinea & Indonesia.
Occupation before enlistment: Traveller.
James's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
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3. Common Ancestors: my paternal 2x great grandparents William Conners (Connors) and Eleanor Hickey.
Edward Thomas Connors 1915 - 1992, my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed.
Son of Michael John Connors and Clara Margaret Howe.
Enlisted at the age of 25 with the AIF.
Served with the 1st Field Training Regiment in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Orchard Work.
Donald Frank Connors 1900 - 1990, my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed.
Son of William Connors and Elizabeth Duffy.
Enlisted at the age of 41 with the CMF/VDC.
Served part-time with the 18th (NSW) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in New South Wales, Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Tailor.
Bede Anthony Connors 1914 - 1994, my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed.
Son of William Connors and Elizabeth Duffy. Known as 'Dick'.
Brother to Donald Frank Connors (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 28 with the AIF.
Served with the 9th Australian Workshop & Park Company RAE (Royal Australian Engineers) in Indonesia & Torres Strait Islands
Occupation before enlistment: Plumber.
Marie Patricia Connors 1923 - 2012, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Daughter of Maurice Edward Connors and Muriel Myrtle Simmons.
Enlisted at the age of 21 with the AIF.
Served with the Australian Army Medical Women's Services in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Hospital Aid
John Joseph Bewes 1920 - 1999, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of John Joseph Bewes and Louisa Maud Coombes.
Enlisted at the age of 21 with the RAAF.
Served with the Air Force Defence Headquarters.
Occupation before enlistment: Clerk
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4. Common Ancestors: my paternal 2x great grandparents Henry Johnson Brown & Caroline Penelope Browning.
Lancelot Noel Brown 1895 - 1981, my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed.
Son of Francis Somers Brown and Selina Jane Cameroux.
Served with supply company originally, then re-enlisted and served on the 2/1 Hospital Ship Manunda.
Occupation before enlistment: Labourer / Butcher's Labourer.
Neville Alexander Brown 1919 - 1969, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of Alexander Johnson Brown and Susan Charity Ninness.
Enlisted at the age of 20 with the AIF.
Served with the 2nd/14th Field Company Engineers in Australia, Middle East & New Guinea.
Occupation before enlistment: Plumber.
Neville's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Queensland Garden of Remembrance in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Rupert James Brown 1921 - 1986, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of Alexander Johnson Brown and Susan Charity Ninness.
Brother to Neville (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 20 with the RAAF.
Served with the 108 Squadron and 462 Squadron in the Middle East, then with the 467 Squadron and at 53 Base in England and then 2 Personnel Depot in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Apprentice Mechanic.
William Norman Brown 1924 - 1975, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of Alexander Johnson Brown and Susan Charity Ninness.
Brother to both Neville and Rupert (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 18 with the RAAF.
Served with the 54 Squadron and then with 3 Personnel Depot in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Furniture Salesman.
Keith Bruce Hart 1922 - 1998, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of Hector Randall Hart and Sarah (Sadie) Brown.
Enlisted at the age of 18 with the RAAF.
Served at Aircraft Repair Depots with the Royal Australian Air Force and then at 5 Operational Training Unit.
Occupation before enlistment: Junior Draftsman
Keith's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Lismore Memorial Gardens in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.
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5. Common Ancestors: my paternal 2x great grandparents Adolphus Hukins and Mary Ann Farley.
Albert Edward Hokin 1901 - 1982, my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed.
Son of George Charles Hokin and Amy Jane Hukins.
Had previously enlisted for WW1 at the age of 18, but had been declared medically unfit after initial medical examination because if "defective eyesight".
Was discharged as medically unfit within four months of enlistment suffering from chronic dermatitis.
Occupation before enlistment: Porter.
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6. Common Ancestors: my paternal great grandparents Richard Joseph Brown and Ellen Cusack.
Eric John McDermid 1926 - 2009, husband of my paternal 1st cousin once removed, Joan Aileen Tyler.
Son of Archibald McDermid and Madeline Blanche Mayo. Son-in-law of Alfred Loring Tyler and Marcella May Brown.
(Connection by marriage to my paternal great grandparents Richard Joseph Brown and Ellen Cusack).
Enlisted at the age of 18 with the RAAF.
Enlisted in October 1944, and fell critically ill with acute appendicitis in December of 1944. He was discharged in September of the following year.
Served with the RAAF 1 School of Technical Training in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Shop Assistant.
Henry David Rapmund 1910 - 1942, husband of my paternal 1st cousin once removed, Lillian Madge O'Donnell.
Son of John Henry Rapmund and Jane Gilmore. Son-in-law of Jeremiah (Gerald) O'Donnell and Lillian Ruth Brown.
(Connection by marriage to my paternal great grandparents Richard Joseph Brown and Ellen Cusack).
Enlisted at the age of 32 in January 1942 with the CMF.
Served with the 36th Australian Infantry Battalion in New Guinea and killed in action in December 1942.
Buried in the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby, New Guinea.
Occupation before enlistment: Labourer.
Henry's name is inscribed on Panel 67 on the Wall of Honour at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia.
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7. Common Ancestors: my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster.
Eugene John McQuilty 1883 - 1945, my paternal 1st cousin 3x removed.
Son of Francis Thomas McQuilty and Elizabeth (Betsy) Exton.
Enlisted at the age of 59 with the CMF/VDC.
Served with the 1st (NSW) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in New South Wales, Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Carpenter / Labourer.
Francis John Patrick McQuilty 1901 - 1969, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Son of Francis Thomas McQuilty and Mary Anne Hall.
Nephew of Eugene John McQuilty (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 41 with the CMF/VDC.
Served part-time with the Volunteer Defence Corps in New South Wales, in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Tractor Driver.
Robert James Dooley 1896 - 1974, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Son of James Dooley and Mary Ann Matilda King.
Had previously served in France in WW1.
Re-enlisted at the age of 45 with the CMF/VDC.
Served part-time with the 1st (NSW) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in New South Wales, Australia.
Robert's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the New South Wales Garden of Remembrance in Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Constance Jean Reid 1912 - 1989, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Daughter of Arthur (Alexander) Reid and Mary Jane Dooley. Known as 'Connie'.
Enlisted at the age of 30 with the AIF.
Enlisted at the Concord Military Hospital, New South Wales in 1943.
Served with the 2nd/11th A G H (Australian General Hospital) of the Australian Army Nursing Service in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Trained Nurse.
Constance's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Port Macquarie General Cemetery in Port Macquarie, New South Wales.
Cyril James Reid 1918 - 1989, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Son of Arthur (Alexander) Reid and Mary Jane Dooley.
Brother of Constance Jean Reid (listed above). Known as 'Jim'.
Enlisted at the age of 22 with the RAAF.
Served with the RAAF 23rd Squadron (based in Brisbane) in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Occupation before enlistment: Bus Driver.
Edward Arthur Chandler 1908 - 1977, husband of my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed Constance Jean Reid (listed above).
Son-in-law of Arthur (Alexander) Reid and Mary Jane Dooley.
(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster).
Enlisted at the age of 32 with the AIF.
Served with the 2nd/18th Australian Infantry Battalion in Malaya.
Was a prisoner of war in a Malaya P.O.W. camp in 1944. Returned home in 1945.
Occupation before enlistment: Labourer.
His name is also inscribed on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners War Memorial in Ballarat, New South Wales.
Alice Joyce Coldwell 1924 - 2010, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Daughter of George Watson Coldwell and Mary Jane Dooley.
Half-sister to Constance Jean and Cyril James Reid (listed above). Known as 'Joy'.
Enlisted at the age of 18 with the CMF.
Served with the Australian Women's Army Service in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Shop Assistant (Clerical Work)
William Harold Lenehan 1926 - 2008, husband of my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed Alice Joyce Coldwell (listed above).
Son-in-law of George Watson Coldwell and Mary Jane Dooley.
(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster).
Enlisted at the age of 18 with the RAAF.
Served with the RAAF 100 Squadron in Australian and New Guinea.
Occupation before enlistment: Shipping Clerk.
Murray Aubrey Waddell 1917 - 1968, husband of my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed Emma Eileen May Reid.
Son-in-law of Arthur (Alexander) Reid and Mary Jane Dooley.
Brother-in-law of Constance Jean Reid, Cyril James Reid and Alice Joyce Coldwell (all listed above).
(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster).
Enlisted at the age of 24 in June 1942 with the RAAF.
Served with the RAAF in New Guinea and then a discharge was granted to allow Murray to work on his father's property in 1945.
Occupation before enlistment: Farmer.
Thomas Roy Exton 1907 - 1966, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Son of Thomas Henry Exton and Phoebe Mary McKinnon.
Enlisted at the age of 35 with the AIF.
Served at the Cairns Workshops in northern Queensland, Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Salesman.
Frederick Walter Gray 1901 - 1971, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Son of Robert Isaac Gray and Mary Jane Jones.
Enlisted at the age of 40 with the AIF.
Served with the 2/3 RMT Coy (Reserve Motor Transport Company) as a driver.
Was a prisoner of war at a P.O.W. camp on Java from 1942 to mid 1946. Returned home in 1946.
Occupation before enlistment:
Frederick's name is inscribed on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial.
Albert Gray 1902 - 1991, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Son of Robert Isaac Gray and Mary Jane Jones.
Younger brother of Frederick Gray (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 39 with the CMF.
Served with 1 Battalion (NSW) VDC
Occupation before enlistment: Farmer.
Oliver Robert Gray 1907 - 1984, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Son of Robert Isaac Gray and Mary Jane Jones.
Youngest brother to Frederick and Albert Gray (both listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 34 with the CMF/VDC.
Served with the 1st (NSW) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Dairy Farmer.
Alwyn Gray 1923 - 2007, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Son of Albert Gray (listed above) and Irene Margaret Anderson. Nephew of both Frederick Walter and Oliver Robert Gray (both listed above).
Enlisted firstly with the CMF at the age of 18. Enlisted with the (Militia) 15th Light Horse Regiment.
Enlisted with the AIF at the age of 19.
Served with 15 Australian Motor Regiment & 39 Transport Platoon.
Occupation before enlistment: Farmer.
Charles Barrow 1886 - 1948, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Son of Alfred Barrow and Harriet Clarke.
Harold Allan Barrow 1910 - 1971, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Son of Alfred Barrow Jnr. and Mary Ellen McCann.
Nephew of Charles Barrow (listed above).
John Alfred Barrow 1913 - 1988, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Son of Alfred Barrow Jnr. and Mary Ellen McCann. Known as 'Jack'.
Brother of Harold Allan Barrow (listed above) and nephew of Charles Barrow (also listed above).
Beryl Veronica Barrow nee Wilson 1923 - 2018, wife of my paternal 3rd cousin once removed, John Alfred (Jack) Barrow (listed above).
Daughter of John (Hubert) Wilson and Lorna Gladys Hayne. Daughter-in-law of Alfred Barrow Jnr. and Mary Ellen McCann.
Enlisted at the age of 19 with the RAAF.
Served with the RAAF's 3rd Embarkation Depot at Sandgate, Brisbane in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Home Duties
Iris Belle Fitzsimmons nee Barrow 1921 - 1966, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Daughter of Alfred Barrow Jnr. and Mary Ellen McCann.
Sister of both Harold Allan and John Alfred Barrow (listed above) and niece of Charles Barrow (also listed above)..
Enlisted at the age of 20 with the RAAF.
Served with the 6th Aircraft Depot in Oakey, Queensland, Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Home Duties.
Alexander James Thompson 1905 - 1943, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Son of Alexander Thompson and Emmeline Harding.
Enlisted at the age of 35 with the AIF.
Served with the 2nd/12th Field Company RAE (Royal Australian Engineers) in Malaya.
Became a P.O.W. in Malaya 1943 and died as a prisoner of war in Thailand.
Alexander's name is inscribed on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.
It's also inscribed on Panel 24 on the Wall of Honour at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia
Alfred James Gooley 1910 - 1996, husband of my paternal 2nd cousin twice removed Olive May O'Toole.
Son of Patrick J Gooley and Leonora Clara Lulham. Son-in-law of Edye Lawrence O'Toole and Araicher Dooley.
(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster).
Enlisted at the age of 30 with the AIF.
Served with the 3rd Australian Forestry Company RAE (Royal Australian Engineers) in England.
Occupation before enlistment: Diesel Engine Driver.
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8. Common Ancestors: my paternal 2x great grandparents Patrick Cusack and Eliza Exton.
Walter Henry Cusack 1910 - 1978, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of William Hugh Fay Cusack and Mabel Hicks.
Enlisted at the age of 31 with the CMF.
Served with the 190th Australian Ammunition Company in New Guinea.
Occupation before enlistment: Farmer.
Walter's name is inscribed on the Wondai Shire Honour Roll in Wondai, Queensland, Australia.
Leslie Alan Cusack 1925-1993, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of James Herbert Cusack and Edith Annie Grinstead.
Enlisted with the RAAF at the age of 18.
Served with the 60th Operational Base in Morotai.
Occupation before enlistment: Sheet Metal Worker.
Leslie's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the New South Wales Garden of Remembrance in Rookwood, New South Wales.
Sydney Herbert Thomas Busine 1918 -1943, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.
Son of Francis Sydney Busine and Charlotte Bertha Cusack. Known as 'Tom' or 'Tommy'.
Enlisted at the age of 23 with the AIF.
Served with the 2nd/30th Australian Infantry Battalion in Indonesia / Thailand.
Became a prisoner of war.
Died as a prisoner of war as a result of malnutrition at a camp in Thailand during the construction of the Burma-Siam Railway.
He was buried at the Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery in Burma.
Occupation before enlistment: Fitter.
Sydney's name is inscribed on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat, Victoria.
His name is also inscribed on Panel 58 of the Roll of Honour Wall at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia.
Enlisted with the AIF at the age of 19.
Was a prisoner of war in Siam, now Thailand.
Died as a prisoner of war. He died as a result of illness when he was a P.O.W.
Buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Thailand.
Samuel's name is inscribed on a burial plot plaque at Plot 1, Row C, Grave 8 at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Thailand.
9. Common Ancestors: my paternal 3x great grandparents Michael Cusack and Mary Green.
Frederick John Cusack 1913 - 1979, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Son of Charles Frederick Cusack and Veronica Mary Walz. Known as 'Jack'.
Enlisted at the age of 29 with the AIF.
Served with the 6th Australian Army Topographical Survey Company in Australia and New Guinea.
Occupation before enlistment: Registered Surveyor.
Allan Sydney Venn 1915 - 2006, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Son of James Venn and Annie Francis Bridget Cusack.
Colin Venn 1920 - 2010, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Son of James Venn and Annie Francis Bridget Cusack.
Brother of Allan Sydney Venn (listed above).
Enlisted at the age of 20 with the AIF.
Served with the 655th Australian Light Anti Aircraft Battery (LAA BTY) in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Ironmonger.
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10. Common Ancestors: my paternal 3x great grandparents William Henry Browning and Anne (Nancy) Littlejohns.
Edward Noel Joseph Degney 1919 - 1978, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Son of Edward Laurence Degney and Violet Mary Browning.
Enlisted at the age of 21 with the AIF.
Served with the Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) in the 8th Military District of New Guinea.
Occupation before enlistment: Storeman.
Geoffrey Earl Browning 1924 - 1990, my paternal 2nd cousin twice removed.
Son of Robert Albert Browning and Pearl Cornelia Barrow.
Enlisted at the age of 17 with the AIF.
Served with the 23rd Infantry Training Battalion.
James Gray Browning 1924 - 1983, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.
Son of James Browning and Alma Ruby Gray.
Enlisted at the age of 18 with the CMF.
Served briefly with 5th Australian Infantry Training Battalion.
Enlisted with the AIF at the age of 19.
Served in Australian and New Guinea.
Served with the 2/1 Forestry Company.
Occupation before enlistment: Labourer.
Clarence John Edward Moehead 1898 - 1971, husband of my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed Ivy May Browning.
Son of Edward Denis Moehead and Florence Emily Eastment. Son-in-law of Henry Joseph Browning and Mary Ann Townsend.
(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents William Henry Browning and Anne (Nancy) Littlejohns).
Enlisted at the age of 42 with the CMF.
Served with the 16th Australian Infantry Training Brigade in Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Labourer.
Harold Lloyd Cupitt 1912 - 1962, husband of my paternal 3rd cousin once removed Norma Beryl Jean Moehead.
Son of Edwin Charles Cupitt and Laura Rose Moll. Son-in-law of Clarence Moehead (listed above) and Ivy May Browning.
Enlisted at the age of 30 with the RAAF.
Served at the 6th Aircraft Depot at Oakey in Queensland, Australia.
Occupation before enlistment: Transport Driver.
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11. Common Ancestors: my paternal 3x great grandparents James Hukins and Susannah Fullagar.
Cecil Dawes 1914 - 1977, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Son of Frederick Dawes and Susan Charlotte Timms.
Enlisted with the CMF/VDC at the age of 28.
Served with the 5th (NSW) Battalion VDC (Volunteer Defence Corps).
Lance Dawes 1917 - 1943, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Son of Frederick Dawes and Susan Charlotte Timms.
Younger brother of Cecil Dawes (listed above).
Served with the RAAF 22nd Squadron.
He was killed in action in February of 1943. Lance was a member of the 3-man crew flying a 'Boston Mark 111' during a raid on Garrison Hill and other targets. His plane was shot down over the sea off Lapur Point, two miles south-east of Salamaua, New Guinea.
Occupation before enlistment: Banana Grower.
Lance's name is inscribed on the Murwillumbah High School WW2 Roll of Honour Board in Murwillumbah, New South Wales.
His name is also inscribed on the All Saints' Church Second World War Roll of Honour Board in Murwillumbah, New South Wales.
There is a memorial plaque for Lance on the Roll of Honour Wall at the Australian War Memorial - Panel 101.
Wilfred Dawes 1922 - 2019, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.
Son of Frederick Dawes and Susan Charlotte Timms.
Younger brother to Cecil and Lance Dawes (both listed above).
Enlisted with the RAAF at the age of 19.
Served with 203 Squadron.
Occupation before enlistment: Farmer.
Thank you for your service.
