Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

During his lifetime, Harry was known as a charismatic character. He was heaviliy involved in his local community as Treasurer and Hon. Secreatary of the RSL, Master of Ceremonies and Dance Secretary. One of three brothers, Harry was born to Ernest Genner, local policeman and Boer War vetran. 

Prior to the Second World War Harry served with the Scottish Regiment at Miller's Point, who farwelled him in 1940 upon his enlistment to the Australian Army. However, almost two years later the Scottish Regiment had branded him a deserter for failing to show up at parade. Ignoring Ernest's letters explaining Harry was already overseas, the Scottish showed up on Ernest's doorstep to arrest Harry in an embarassing bungle that made newspapers.

Meanwhile, Harry was in Tobruk with the 2/13 Infantry Battalion. The battalion, whilst known as the "Devils Own' was also branded "Wagga's Own' due to the large proportion of men from Wagga-Wagga in their ranks. Whilst Harry was born in Sydney, his brother William lived in Wagga, and Harry subsequently had a close connection to the town.

In Tobruk Harry was awarded a Military Medal for Gallantry. The Citation reading;

"On the night of 11 May 41 when our 'C' Company was moving forward on the left of the salient, the platoon to which L/Cpl Genner belonged came under heavy MG and rifle fire which prevented the platoon from advancing. L/Cpl Genner was ordered to make a forward recce and he was successful in locating a route by which the platoon could move forward and avoid enemy fire. To do this he had to move through a curtain of fire brought down by the enemy. His action was most conspicuous and he result of this recce was that the platoon command was able to move the platoon to their position without further casualties. Although enemy fire was still heavy, L/Cpl Genner returned to the assistance of the wounded who had been left in the position and to do this, had to continually expose himself to the fire of the enemy. L/Cpl Genner's personal bravery and devotion to duty undoubtably saved many casualties on this occasion and his acts inspired major confidence and courage among his men.

On the occasion minor tank and infantry attack against posts 8 and 9, L/Cpl Genner was again conspicuous by moving part of his section with a Bren gun to flank position where he was able to enfilade lines of infantry as the moved against the post. Throughout the period of March to july L/Cpl Genner has displayed an offensive spirit against the enemy at all times, determination and personal gallantry."

Upon a return to Australia, Harry married Ella June Butler in March of 1943. Harry was in Australia undertaking a training course for unarmed combat instructors at LHQ School of P & RT. Despite his promise in this course, he did not complete it as Ella June fell seriously ill and Harry was granted compassionate leave to be with her in June 1943 before she passed in August. 

Harry rejoined the 2nd/13th, serving in both Papua New Ginea and North Borneo, where he suffered in the tropical conditions from various mosquito borne illnesses. 

He returned to Australia to demobilise upon the end of the war, but sebsequently travelled to the UK to participate in the Victory March, meeting then King George VI. 

Recieving medical treatment for continuing health problems ascociated with his time in the tropics, Harry met and subsequently married his nurse, Nona, in the 1960's. 

Harry was a much loved family member, and continues to be remembered by his niece and her family after his passing in 2001.

During his lifetime, Harry was known as a charismatic character. He was heaviliy involved in his local community as Treasurer and Hon. Secreatary of the RSL, Master of Ceremonies and Dance Secretary. One of three brothers, Harry was born to Ernest Genner, local policeman and Boer War vetran. 

Prior to the Second World War Harry served with the Scottish Regiment at Miller's Point, who farwelled him in 1940 upon his enlistment to the Australian Army. However, almost two years later the Scottish Regiment had branded him a deserter for failing to show up at parade. Ignoring Ernest's letters explaining Harry was already overseas, the Scottish showed up on Ernest's doorstep to arrest Harry in an embarassing bungle that made newspapers.

Meanwhile, Harry was in Tobruk with the 2/13 Infantry Battalion. The battalion, whilst known as the "Devils Own' was also branded "Wagga's Own' due to the large proportion of men from Wagga-Wagga in their ranks. Whilst Harry was born in Sydney, his brother William lived in Wagga, and Harry subsequently had a close connection to the town.

In Tobruk Harry was awarded a Military Medal for Gallantry. The Citation reading;

"On the night of 11 May 41 when our 'C' Company was moving forward on the left of the salient, the platoon to which L/Cpl Genner belonged came under heavy MG and rifle fire which prevented the platoon from advancing. L/Cpl Genner was ordered to make a forward recce and he was successful in locating a route by which the platoon could move forward and avoid enemy fire. To do this he had to move through a curtain of fire brought down by the enemy. His action was most conspicuous and he result of this recce was that the platoon command was able to move the platoon to their position without further casualties. Although enemy fire was still heavy, L/Cpl Genner returned to the assistance of the wounded who had been left in the position and to do this, had to continually expose himself to the fire of the enemy. L/Cpl Genner's personal bravery and devotion to duty undoubtably saved many casualties on this occasion and his acts inspired major confidence and courage among his men.

On the occasion minor tank and infantry attack against posts 8 and 9, L/Cpl Genner was again conspicuous by moving part of his section with a Bren gun to flank position where he was able to enfilade lines of infantry as the moved against the post. Throughout the period of March to july L/Cpl Genner has displayed an offensive spirit against the enemy at all times, determination and personal gallantry."

Upon a return to Australia, Harry married Ella June Butler in March of 1943. Harry was in Australia undertaking a training course for unarmed combat instructors at LHQ School of P & RT. Despite his promise in this course, he did not complete it as Ella June fell seriously ill and Harry was granted compassionate leave to be with her in June 1943 before she passed in August. 

Harry rejoined the 2nd/13th, serving in both Papua New Ginea and North Borneo, where he suffered in the tropical conditions from various mosquito borne illnesses. 

He returned to Australia to demobilise upon the end of the war, but sebsequently travelled to the UK to participate in the Victory March, meeting then King George VI. 

Recieving medical treatment for continuing health problems ascociated with his time in the tropics, Harry met and subsequently married his nurse, Nona, in the 1960's. 

Harry was a much loved family member, and continues to be remembered by his niece and her family after his passing in 2001.