Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Marie Enid Dodd nee Grieve was born on 26 October 1918 at Mrs Green's Private Nursing Home, 'St Albans', Russell Street, South Brisbane. She was always called Enid. Her explanation for that was that her father said that 'she was too bad tempered as a little girl to be called by such a lovely name as Marie!'

Enid was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Annie ('Dolly') Grieve (nee Begg). She was raised at 'The Laurels', on Laurel Avenue, Chelmer, Queensland. The home was full of music and entertainment. Enid recalled attending local dances and the dinners her mother served to dozens of guests, swimming in the Brisbane River and of their family holidays at Redcliffe.

Enid was taught the piano by her mother and won a scholarship to Graceville State School, later finishing her sub junior at high school in domestic science. She became a great homemaker and a very loving mother and grandmother.

On 9 June 1943 Enid enlisted in the Women's Australian Auxiliary Airforce stating her occupation to be 'typist.' She was 24 years old and described as 5'3 3/4", with a fair complexion, blue eyes and auburn hair - a well mannered, pleasant type. She was assigned to the Teleprinter Department with the rank of Aircraftwoman, initially at Sandgate and served for three years.

Enid met a Western Australian serviceman, Alan Jabe Bona Dodd during his posting with the AIF. They married in 1947 in Alan's home state and had three children, Diane, David and Keith.

Women's service medals in Australia were awarded later than those for men due to a combination of factors, including societal views on women's roles in war, the marginalization of women's contributions, and the slower recognition of their auxiliary services. Enid's medals were received by the family posthumously. They are the War Medal 1939-45; the Australian Service Medal 1939-45; and the General Service Badge for her service in the AIF.

Lest We Forget