Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Brian was born in Medindie, South Australia, in 1925.

Before he joined the services, Brian worked as a delivery boy and on the factory floor at the Holden plant. At age 17, in April 1943, he was accepted into the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and worked as a stoker. Brian completed his recruit training at HMAS Cerberus on the Mornington Peninsula before being posted to the naval base HMAS Magnetic in Townsville in September 1943.
Brian was allocated to the corvette HMAS Kapunda and was engaged in convoy escorts and anti-submarine patrols between Townsville and New Guinea. In May 1944, the Kapundabombarded Japanese positions on Karkar Island on New Guinea’s north coast. After leaving the ship in November 1944, Brian volunteered for the RAN’s Coastal Forces, made up of smaller vessels which were involved in patrolling the coasts and river systems of New Guinea and New Britain. Brian served on the Fairmile motor launch ML 816 from March 1945 until after the war ended. He took part in operations around Wewak, including a night-time raid on the Japanese harbour at Wewak, as well as shelling Japanese positions in support of the land campaign.

In 1946, Brian married Josephine Higgins who had served in the Australian Women’s Army Service.

Brian was demobilised in June 1946 but in April 1947 he rejoinedthe RAN and served for two more years before finally beingdischarged in June 1949. He says it was a privilege to serve his country, ‘you will make some wonderful mates, and whatever you do, be committed to doing the best job you can’. He also enjoyed the adventure, the travel and playing sport in the early days of training.

After his discharge, Brian worked as a printing machinist for 46 years. He and Josephine raised their son Peter together and now have 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Sadly, Josephine passed away in 2005.
Brian has always been fit and active. He enjoys reading and socialising and is involved with his local Anglican church.

Brian credits his long life to the close relationship he had with his brother, who died 3 years ago at the age of 98. Brian also liked running, and has enjoyed food and drink in moderation. He says living in Australia, with all its safety and lifestyle, has been a blessing.