Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Harry BRADBURY, Woodanilling, Western Australia.

Harry is a Second World War veteran. Before his war service, Harry lived in Woodanilling, WA, and worked as a grocer’s shop assistant and in accounting. In July 1943, before he turned 18, Harry sent in an application to join the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), but a severe bout of the flu delayed his enlistment until October 1943.

Harry underwent his initial training at Busselton in WA and was allotted as a trainee technician. More training followed at No. 5 School of Technical Training in Perth and No. 1 Engineering School in Ascot Vale in Melbourne, where Harry completed his training as a flight mechanic. He was posted to No. 7 Communication Unit at RAAF Base Pearce, where he helped maintain the unit’s aircraft. After a brief stint in Adelaide in July 1945, Harry was transferred to No. 6 Communication Unit at Batchelor in the Northern Territory, where he was serving when the war ended. The unit operated a variety of aircraft to transport personnel and supplies to bases across the Northern Territory.

Harry was discharged from the RAAF in April 1946. Harry says he was proud to serve his country and valued the many friendships he made. After his service, Harry worked on farms mainly shearing. In 1961, he gained a Soldier Settlement farming block at Denbarker, which he owned until 1987. Harry married Iris in 1955 and they had 3 children, one of whom has sadly died. The couple have 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Harry loves family life.

In his spare time, Harry loved playing golf and lawn bowls. He credits his long life to hard work.