HENDERSON, Brenda Jean
| Other Name: | JOHNSON, Brenda Jean - Married Name |
|---|---|
| Service Number: | VF509185 |
| Enlisted: | 19 April 1943, Melbourne, Vic. |
| Last Rank: | Signalman |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Numurkah, Victoria, Australia, 18 March 1925 |
| Home Town: | Numurkah, Moira, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Switchboard Operator |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 19 Apr 1943: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Signalman, VF509185, Melbourne, Vic. |
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She was born in Numurkah, Victoria, and grew up on a farm. After leaving school, Brenda worked in the Postmaster General’s Office operating the switchboard and sending telegrams.
A veteran of the Second World War, Brenda enlisted in the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) in April 1943. Due to her pre-war work experience, Brenda was trained as a signaller and was based in the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. Her role was significant and included receiving and sending messages often containing confidential military information. As a security measure, Brenda and her fellow signallers were distanced from other service personnel.
Brenda discharged from the AWAS in May 1946. She says of her service life, ‘it was good to learn to work with others and enjoy the wonderful friendships that were made’.
After the war, Brenda worked for the Ministry of Housing in Melbourne.
In 1954, she married Ronald Johnson who served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1946 until 1966. The couple raised two sons. Ronald sadly died in 2019.
When she was younger, Brenda enjoyed attending AWAS reunions, being involved with the RSL and assisting other veterans. These days, she enjoys reading.
Brenda credits her 100 years to the good genes she received from her parents.
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