Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Francis Henry BRAY, 23 Cooney Road, Artamon, New South Wales

He was born in Melbourne, Victoria, and is a veteran of the Second World War.

Before the war, Graham was an Audit Clerk for the Ludowici & Caldwell Accountancy firm and was studying accountancy.

In May 1943, Graham joined the Citizens Military Force (CMF), before transferring to the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in March 1944. Graham was allocated to the 2/25th Australian Infantry Battalion and saw service at the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp and in Balikpapan, Borneo.

Graham remembers the Cowra Prison Breakout, where he was working as a guard. He recalled his battalion’s operations around the Milford Highway in Balikpapan, and the 7th Division’s role in the second OBOE landing in July 1945.

Graham’s battalion was still undertaking active operations when Japanese forces surrendered on 15 August 1945.

According to Graham, the best thing about his service was the training and the friendships he made. He also had a wonderful, but brief, meet-up with his brother Malcolm when they both landed on the beach at Balikpapan. They hadn’t seen each other for 4 years!

After the war ended, Graham stayed on in Balikpapan to fulfil peacekeeping duties. He discharged from the Army in January 1947.

When Graham returned home, he resumed his pre-war employment and studied accountancy at night. He became a Chartered Accountant, and in 1955, joined Nestlè Australia and worked there for 45 years. He says Nestlè supplied the ‘treats’ in their wartime ration packs – chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in a tube.

In 1952, Graham married Margaret Bull and they raised 3 children together. Sadly, Margaret died in 2007.

When younger, Graham enjoyed gardening, reading and being involved in his local community. He still enjoys reading and keeping himself busy.

Graham’s secret to his longevity was the support of his wife and the ongoing support of his family. He also cites being happy and not worrying about things.