Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Vernon William Olsen – 77445 – RAAF – Wooroolin-Tingoora RSL
The Olsen Family settled in Tingoora in 1908 when Julius & Olive Olsen decided to move from Kingaroy with their family and engaged in farming up to the time of his death. The obituary of Julius Olsen in 1936 states that he moved to Kingaroy about 1902 was amongst the first to set up a permanent business (Blacksmith) in Kingaroy Street. He was a foundation member of the Show Society and Progress Association.
In 1908 they purchased Mr. W. Connell's property - at Home Creek, and lived there until Mr. Olsen's death in 1936. His sons took over the management of the property. Mrs. Olsen was actively associated with the Tingoora Patriotic Committee and the Home Creek branch of the Red Cross during World War I. When living at Tingoora Mr Olsen assisted in the erection of the Home Creek Methodist Church, of which he was a member and trustee. Julius & Olive had 10 children – Olive Hooper, William (father of Vern), Edward, Cecil (father of Daph Andersen), Clifford, Myrtle Jensen, Violet Magnussen, Norman & Lawrence.
William Olsen married Edith Northcott in 1920 and they settled at Nikenbah where they had a farm. William served in the Australian Army during WW1. Their son Vernon William, known as Vern was born at Maryborough on 18 May 1922. By early 1930’s, William and his family were living back at Tingoora. A photo that included him at the Richardson farm in Wooroolin was shared by June Stebhens in the Kinga~All group in Apr 2020.
Vernon William Olsen, 20 years old, enlisted in the RAAF on 5 Aug 1942 at Brisbane. Unfortunately his Airforce records are not available online but the WW11 Nominal Roll states he was in the 3 Central Recovery Depot when discharged on 30 Jan 1946. The war had ended on 22 Sep 1945 with the surrender of the Japanese Army. My understanding is that an RAAF Salvage team are responsible for recovery operations for downed RAAF planes. We know that he was in New Guinea at some stage as he bought back 2 Native Skirts which are still in the possession of his daughter some 77 years later!
After the war Vern married Isabella Macrae, known as Isabel about 1949. I was thrilled to discover that Isabel was also in the RAAF as an Aircraftwoman in the North Eastern Area Command Headquarters at Townsville. She joined in Sep 1943 and was discharged 2 ½ years later in Mar 1946. They were both stationed at Oakey during the war. Per their daughter Vern saw Isabel but she wouldn’t have anything to do with the service men. After the war Vern bought a milk and cream run outside Jandowae where Isabel grew up. They met when she rode her horse down to meet the driver of the cream run with a letter to be posted. Vern remembered her and the rest is history!
Vern & Isabel moved to Tingoora and raised their 2 children there. The Olsen & Jones kids spent much time together – visiting each other’s homes and learning to play cards with our parents - Canasta & 500! Holidays at Hervey Bay also a feature of our life and I will always remember the Oyster Hunting on the rocks at Urangan. Rural Youth was another huge part of our lives. And of course the Wooroolin Sports Days!
Isabel died in 1981, just 60 years old. Some years later Vern was fortunate to link up with Mrs Hosking and they enjoyed life together. Both attending and marching at the Wooroolin Anzac Day Parades.
Vern died in 2008 and is buried at Taabinga Cemetery with Isabel.
Lest We Forget