Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Daughter of Mrs. J.H. BRIGGS, 2 Norwich Street, Victoria, New South Wales.

Wife of Raymond Sydney BRABNEY, 2 Norwich Street, Victoria, New South Wales.

In November 1943, aged 18, Joyce joined the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS). After her recruit training with the 4th AWAS Training Battalion, she was selected for signals training with the 2nd Australian Signals Training Battalion at Bonegilla. In April 1944, she was posted to the 11th Cipher Section in Brisbane.
This was part of the Central Bureau, an Allied intelligence unit involved in intercepting and deciphering Japanese communications and encrypted messages. This work helped the Allied forces plan their operations in the Pacific.

Joyce says the best thing about her service was ‘the feeling of serving my country and helping keep the troops safe with my work in signals’. She also enjoyed the long-lasting friendships.

Joyce has some advice for younger serving members, ‘be dedicated and diligent in your work’.

In May 1945, Joyce married Raymond ‘Ray’ Bradney who was in the Australian Army as a member of Z Special Unit. Joyce progressed through the ranks and in July her rank of Sergeant was confirmed. The following month, Joyce was discharged from the AWAS and she began preparing for married life with Ray when he returned from the war.
Joyce and Ray raised their son Bruce and now have 2 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Sadly, Ray died in 2010.

After her son started school, Joyce worked in the Astor TV factory assembling the ‘new to Australia’ TVs, and later as a shop assistant in a local greengrocer.

In her spare time, Joyce enjoyed playing golf. These days, she likes to watch TV with the other aged care residents.

Joyce says the secret to her long life is ‘just good luck’.