Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born 1st of April on the Yorke Peninsula, Lionel Lancelot Graham grew up in Point Pearce Aboriginal Mission with seven siblings. This mission sheltered Narungga people and other displaced Aboriginal groups, providing education (see figure 2) and a community.(1) However, three years before Graham’s birth, the Mission was taken over by the State government, forcing Aboriginal labourers to fight for wages. They only began earning an income after WW2, and even so, these earnings were much less than their white counterparts.(2) With little income, many were forced to seek employment elsewhere. Graham and his wife Dorothy Nellie Graham, moved to Brompton, South Australia where he sought employment, enlisting on the 6th of February 1941. Despite heavy restrictions on Aboriginal soldiers during this time, Graham successfully enlisted in the 2nd AIF.

Eight days after enlistment, he joined the 3rd Infantry Training Battalion as part of the 2/10 Australian Infantry Battalion. After some training and leave, he embarked for overseas travel on the 10th of April with the 2nd Military District. Over a month later, Graham reached the Middle East, training with the Services Training Regiment AIF with the 18th Brigade in the Amiriya Staging Camp.(3)

After completing training in the Middle East, Graham marched out to the 2/10th Battalion on the 5th of September. The journey back to South Australia was long and tiring, with training sessions on each ship. However, morale was kept up by participating in lighter activities such as sunbathing and watching films aboard the “Niew Amsterdam.” Multiple stops were taken in Bombay, Colombo, and Western Australia, where the battalion often switched ships, such as the HMT Nevasa. Graham suffered from Acute Otitis Media, a type of ear infection on that ship, leading to hospitalisation on board. Finally, Graham arrived at Ocean Steamers Wharfe, Port Adelaide on the 27th of March 1942. The Battalion then moved to a camp in Sandy Creek. This camp was described as “by far the worst campsite we had occupied during our career,” with harsh conditions such as “heavy sands, dust, and unfinished camp.”  Despite this, Graham and his battalion persevered. Graham participated in training exercises in the Port Adelaide Rifle Range and the Gawler Rifle Range. On the 17th of April, the battalion began moving to Tenterfield Camp, NSW, staying for a month before moving to Sheep Station Creek Camp in Queensland.

On the 6th of August, the battalion moved from Kilcoy to Brisbane, embarking the SS Both and arriving six days later in Gili Gili, New Guinea. After a quiet night on the 14th of August, they moved north-west, and immediately began digging in and erecting tents. Ten days later, an air raid yellow escalated to red. Enemy aircraft were spotted overhead, and the battalion witnessed numerous dogfights and four Japanese planes shot down. This was only the beginning of the Battle of Milne Bay. On the 26th of August, the 2/10th were notified that an enemy was landing east of Gili Gili. The battalion took up a “perimeter position for all round attack and defence.” However, they made no contact with the enemy that day. On the morning of the 27th, the Battalion moved to the 7th Brigade area, where it was decided that they would be sent out to action lightly armed. This decision was made after the battalion failed to contact the enemy. Australian troops had very little information on the enemy, which ultimately, contributed to the difficulties of the 2/10th. An attempt to reach Kilabo to assist in action failed due to road conditions, becoming fatal when a carrier struck a mine.4 They were then forced to return to KB Mission, where they dug trenches despite the lack of tools. The previous journey, as well as the manual labour would have been exhausting. For the 2/10th, first enemy activity was recorded that night. The Japanese tried using scare tactics and noise to force the battalion into retiring, however, the 2/10th held firm, despite the fear they would have felt. A tank was then used by the Japanese to go through the battalion’s area, in which they used it to spray the ground with bullets. Attempts to damage the tank with sticky bombs and mortars were made, however, they were ultimately unsuccessful, causing many casualties. On the 28th of August at 12:30AM, the battalion were told to retire. However, miscommunication left the B Company unaware. Scattered and without communication, they ultimately suffered more casualties. The next day, the battalion moved up to the 7th Infantry Brigade’s area. Throughout the day, the battalion advanced cautiously, taking multiple detours. Time for rest was short. One day later, an order was given out for the 18th Infantry Brigade to “attack and destroy enemy forces on north shore of Milne Bay.” The 2/10th however, were given instructions to largely remain out of the attack. Despite this, they went into action, taking over from the 2/9th Battalion at an airfield. The next day, most of the battalion moved down to the Hagita House, after an exhausting effort. The A company joined later after being in a defence position on the 30th. Throughout September, the battalion did not further engage in any fighting, rather, more routinely activities. However, the successes of other battalions were celebrated, and uplifted morale.5 The Battle of Milne Bay ended on the 7th of September after the Japanese evacuated. Despite this, the devastation and fear had not ceased. More naval shelling continued, and one day later, bombs from nine enemy planes were dropped. Graham and his battalion continued through the fear, and much to their relief, the bombing and shelling ceased the next day. The success at Milne Bay greatly uplifted soldiers there and gave hope to many across the world. Through the courageous efforts of the 2/10th and others, the first victory against the Japanese on land in the Pacific War was achieved, marking an important moment in history.

The 2/10’s next engagement was in the Battle of Buna, starting on the 1st of November 1942. They made their first attack on the 18th of December alongside the 2/9th Battalion in an airfield area. Under Japanese control, they had to fight viciously to destroy bunkers one by one. On the 23rd of December, they had successfully retaken control of the airfield, boosting morale within the battalion. However, there was still work to go, and the time for rest was little. One day later, the 2/10th began making attacks along a strip between the airfield and the coast, but the loss of all four tanks left them with minimal artillery.(6) Despite this, they continued fighting through fear and devastation, persevering through the sight of many of their friends on the ground. Graham, was one of these casualties.

Graham suffered a gunshot to the left hand, leaving a permanent scar. He was admitted to the 9th Australian General Hospital on Christmas day, before quickly being evacuated by the HMT “Katoomba” to Sydney. Graham was then taken to multiple hospitals before being evacuated to an ambulance train, bringing him to the 105th Military Hospital in Adelaide. Re-classified as Medical Class B, Graham’s ability to fight was limited. However, his strong will to serve his country, despite the discrimination he faced kept him going. Graham’s medical journey continued, being admitted to hospital four times for a significant illness within his service. Not only that, but he was also given diagnoses of glycosuria, malaria, as well as lumbar fibrositis, a condition causing widespread pain throughout the body. Symptoms can start after a triggering event like surgery or illness.(7) His extensive medical history and traumatic experiences most likely contributed to this. He was constantly moved around Australia to the NT, Victoria, and NSW for treatment. Despite pain and illness, he continued serving even though fighting was no longer possible. His part in different companies and brigades cannot be understated. Graham served in the 25th Australian Employment Company, the 3rd Motor Vehicle Trades Training Centre, and the 2nd Australian Technical Training Brigade(8). Graham was discharged on the 5th of November 1945 after spending 1743 days in service.

Little is known about Graham’s life post-war. After his wife’s death during his service, he returned back to Adelaide to live with his mother on 41 Coglin Street, Brompton. Graham died in 1987, and is honoured on the Maitland War Memorial, Point Pearce Memorial and Flagpoles to Narungga Men and Women, and the Point Pearce Roll of Honour.

Reference List:

Primary Sources and Diaries

AWM52 8/2/18 – 18 Infantry Brigade August – September 1942, Available at: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1024973/bundled/RCDIG1024973.pdf [Accessed 26 Jul. 2025].
AWM52 8/3/10 – 2/10 Infantry Battalion March – May 1942, Available at: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1022077/bundled/RCDIG1022077.pdf [Accessed 25 Jul. 2025].
AWM52 8/3/10 – 2/10 Infantry Battalion January – February 1942, Available at https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1026046/bundled/RCDIG1026046.pdf [Accessed 25 Jul. 2025].
AWM52 8/2/18 – 18 Infantry Brigade December 1942, Available at: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1024985/bundled/RCDIG1024985.pdf [Accessed 26 Jul. 2025].
AWM52 8/3/10 – 2/10 Infantry Battalion July – December 1942, Available at: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1022079/bundled/RCDIG1022079.pdf [Accessed 26 Jul. 2025].

Other Resources

yorke.sa.gov.au. The move to Point Pearce – Yorke Peninsula Council. [online] Available at: https://yorke.sa.gov.au/discover/local-history-and-heritage/indigenous-culture/the-move-to-point-pearce/ [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
Ancestry.com.au. (2021). Lionel Lancelot Graham - Ancestry®. [online] Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/genealogy/records/lionel-lancelot-graham-24-1rjdc95 [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
Ozatwar.com. (2015). Australian Army in Australia during WW2. [online] Available at: https://www.ozatwar.com/ausarmy/ausarmy.htm [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
National Museum of Australia (2022). Second World War Conscription | National Museum of Australia. Nma.gov.au. [online] https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/second-world-war-conscription [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
Yorke Peninsula: Past and Present. Point Pearce - The Narungga. [online] Available at: https://veryphotographic.com.au/point-pearce-the-narrunga-tribe. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
Australian War Memorial. Military districts | Australian War Memorial. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/military-districts. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
Mayo Clinic (2021). Fibromyalgia. [online] Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780. [Accessed 31 Jul. 2025].
Australian War Memorial. Battle of Milne Bay. [online] www.awm.gov.au. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E84334. [Accessed 26 Jul. 2025].
Australian War Memorial. Battle of Buna. [online] www.awm.gov.au. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E84314. [Accessed 28 Jul. 2025].
Australian War Memorial. 2/10th Australian Infantry Battalion. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U56053. [Accessed 21 Jul. 2025].
Australian War Memorial (2025). FREMANTLE, WA. 1942-03-20. AERIAL PORT SIDE VIEW OF THE BRITISH TRANSPORT NEVASA WHICH ... [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C250084 [Accessed 2 Aug. 2025].
Virtual War Memorial Australia. Maitland War Memorial. Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/memorials/488. [Accessed 5 Aug. 2025].

Virtual War Memorial Australia. Point Pearce Memorial and Flagpoles to Narungga Men and Women, Point Pearce, South Australia, Australia. [online] Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/memorials/691 [Accessed 5 Aug. 2025].
Virtual War Memorial Australia. Point Pearce Roll of Honour. Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/memorials/1331 [Accessed 5 Aug. 2025].

- completed by St Ignatius College

Born 1st of April on the Yorke Peninsula, Lionel Lancelot Graham grew up in Point Pearce Aboriginal Mission with seven siblings. This mission sheltered Narungga people and other displaced Aboriginal groups, providing education (see figure 2) and a community.(1) However, three years before Graham’s birth, the Mission was taken over by the State government, forcing Aboriginal labourers to fight for wages. They only began earning an income after WW2, and even so, these earnings were much less than their white counterparts.(2) With little income, many were forced to seek employment elsewhere. Graham and his wife Dorothy Nellie Graham, moved to Brompton, South Australia where he sought employment, enlisting on the 6th of February 1941. Despite heavy restrictions on Aboriginal soldiers during this time, Graham successfully enlisted in the 2nd AIF.

Eight days after enlistment, he joined the 3rd Infantry Training Battalion as part of the 2/10 Australian Infantry Battalion. After some training and leave, he embarked for overseas travel on the 10th of April with the 2nd Military District. Over a month later, Graham reached the Middle East, training with the Services Training Regiment AIF with the 18th Brigade in the Amiriya Staging Camp.(3)

After completing training in the Middle East, Graham marched out to the 2/10th Battalion on the 5th of September. The journey back to South Australia was long and tiring, with training sessions on each ship. However, morale was kept up by participating in lighter activities such as sunbathing and watching films aboard the “Niew Amsterdam.” Multiple stops were taken in Bombay, Colombo, and Western Australia, where the battalion often switched ships, such as the HMT Nevasa. Graham suffered from Acute Otitis Media, a type of ear infection on that ship, leading to hospitalisation on board. Finally, Graham arrived at Ocean Steamers Wharfe, Port Adelaide on the 27th of March 1942. The Battalion then moved to a camp in Sandy Creek. This camp was described as “by far the worst campsite we had occupied during our career,” with harsh conditions such as “heavy sands, dust, and unfinished camp.”  Despite this, Graham and his battalion persevered. Graham participated in training exercises in the Port Adelaide Rifle Range and the Gawler Rifle Range. On the 17th of April, the battalion began moving to Tenterfield Camp, NSW, staying for a month before moving to Sheep Station Creek Camp in Queensland.

On the 6th of August, the battalion moved from Kilcoy to Brisbane, embarking the SS Both and arriving six days later in Gili Gili, New Guinea. After a quiet night on the 14th of August, they moved north-west, and immediately began digging in and erecting tents. Ten days later, an air raid yellow escalated to red. Enemy aircraft were spotted overhead, and the battalion witnessed numerous dogfights and four Japanese planes shot down. This was only the beginning of the Battle of Milne Bay. On the 26th of August, the 2/10th were notified that an enemy was landing east of Gili Gili. The battalion took up a “perimeter position for all round attack and defence.” However, they made no contact with the enemy that day. On the morning of the 27th, the Battalion moved to the 7th Brigade area, where it was decided that they would be sent out to action lightly armed. This decision was made after the battalion failed to contact the enemy. Australian troops had very little information on the enemy, which ultimately, contributed to the difficulties of the 2/10th. An attempt to reach Kilabo to assist in action failed due to road conditions, becoming fatal when a carrier struck a mine.4 They were then forced to return to KB Mission, where they dug trenches despite the lack of tools. The previous journey, as well as the manual labour would have been exhausting. For the 2/10th, first enemy activity was recorded that night. The Japanese tried using scare tactics and noise to force the battalion into retiring, however, the 2/10th held firm, despite the fear they would have felt. A tank was then used by the Japanese to go through the battalion’s area, in which they used it to spray the ground with bullets. Attempts to damage the tank with sticky bombs and mortars were made, however, they were ultimately unsuccessful, causing many casualties. On the 28th of August at 12:30AM, the battalion were told to retire. However, miscommunication left the B Company unaware. Scattered and without communication, they ultimately suffered more casualties. The next day, the battalion moved up to the 7th Infantry Brigade’s area. Throughout the day, the battalion advanced cautiously, taking multiple detours. Time for rest was short. One day later, an order was given out for the 18th Infantry Brigade to “attack and destroy enemy forces on north shore of Milne Bay.” The 2/10th however, were given instructions to largely remain out of the attack. Despite this, they went into action, taking over from the 2/9th Battalion at an airfield. The next day, most of the battalion moved down to the Hagita House, after an exhausting effort. The A company joined later after being in a defence position on the 30th. Throughout September, the battalion did not further engage in any fighting, rather, more routinely activities. However, the successes of other battalions were celebrated, and uplifted morale.5 The Battle of Milne Bay ended on the 7th of September after the Japanese evacuated. Despite this, the devastation and fear had not ceased. More naval shelling continued, and one day later, bombs from nine enemy planes were dropped. Graham and his battalion continued through the fear, and much to their relief, the bombing and shelling ceased the next day. The success at Milne Bay greatly uplifted soldiers there and gave hope to many across the world. Through the courageous efforts of the 2/10th and others, the first victory against the Japanese on land in the Pacific War was achieved, marking an important moment in history.

The 2/10’s next engagement was in the Battle of Buna, starting on the 1st of November 1942. They made their first attack on the 18th of December alongside the 2/9th Battalion in an airfield area. Under Japanese control, they had to fight viciously to destroy bunkers one by one. On the 23rd of December, they had successfully retaken control of the airfield, boosting morale within the battalion. However, there was still work to go, and the time for rest was little. One day later, the 2/10th began making attacks along a strip between the airfield and the coast, but the loss of all four tanks left them with minimal artillery.(6) Despite this, they continued fighting through fear and devastation, persevering through the sight of many of their friends on the ground. Graham, was one of these casualties.

Graham suffered a gunshot to the left hand, leaving a permanent scar. He was admitted to the 9th Australian General Hospital on Christmas day, before quickly being evacuated by the HMT “Katoomba” to Sydney. Graham was then taken to multiple hospitals before being evacuated to an ambulance train, bringing him to the 105th Military Hospital in Adelaide. Re-classified as Medical Class B, Graham’s ability to fight was limited. However, his strong will to serve his country, despite the discrimination he faced kept him going. Graham’s medical journey continued, being admitted to hospital four times for a significant illness within his service. Not only that, but he was also given diagnoses of glycosuria, malaria, as well as lumbar fibrositis, a condition causing widespread pain throughout the body. Symptoms can start after a triggering event like surgery or illness.(7) His extensive medical history and traumatic experiences most likely contributed to this. He was constantly moved around Australia to the NT, Victoria, and NSW for treatment. Despite pain and illness, he continued serving even though fighting was no longer possible. His part in different companies and brigades cannot be understated. Graham served in the 25th Australian Employment Company, the 3rd Motor Vehicle Trades Training Centre, and the 2nd Australian Technical Training Brigade(8). Graham was discharged on the 5th of November 1945 after spending 1743 days in service.

Little is known about Graham’s life post-war. After his wife’s death during his service, he returned back to Adelaide to live with his mother on 41 Coglin Street, Brompton. Graham died in 1987, and is honoured on the Maitland War Memorial, Point Pearce Memorial and Flagpoles to Narungga Men and Women, and the Point Pearce Roll of Honour.

Reference List:

Primary Sources and Diaries

AWM52 8/2/18 – 18 Infantry Brigade August – September 1942, Available at: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1024973/bundled/RCDIG1024973.pdf [Accessed 26 Jul. 2025].
AWM52 8/3/10 – 2/10 Infantry Battalion March – May 1942, Available at: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1022077/bundled/RCDIG1022077.pdf [Accessed 25 Jul. 2025].
AWM52 8/3/10 – 2/10 Infantry Battalion January – February 1942, Available at https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1026046/bundled/RCDIG1026046.pdf [Accessed 25 Jul. 2025].
AWM52 8/2/18 – 18 Infantry Brigade December 1942, Available at: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1024985/bundled/RCDIG1024985.pdf [Accessed 26 Jul. 2025].
AWM52 8/3/10 – 2/10 Infantry Battalion July – December 1942, Available at: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1022079/bundled/RCDIG1022079.pdf [Accessed 26 Jul. 2025].

Other Resources

yorke.sa.gov.au. The move to Point Pearce – Yorke Peninsula Council. [online] Available at: https://yorke.sa.gov.au/discover/local-history-and-heritage/indigenous-culture/the-move-to-point-pearce/ [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
Ancestry.com.au. (2021). Lionel Lancelot Graham - Ancestry®. [online] Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/genealogy/records/lionel-lancelot-graham-24-1rjdc95 [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
Ozatwar.com. (2015). Australian Army in Australia during WW2. [online] Available at: https://www.ozatwar.com/ausarmy/ausarmy.htm [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
National Museum of Australia (2022). Second World War Conscription | National Museum of Australia. Nma.gov.au. [online] https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/second-world-war-conscription [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
Yorke Peninsula: Past and Present. Point Pearce - The Narungga. [online] Available at: https://veryphotographic.com.au/point-pearce-the-narrunga-tribe. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
Australian War Memorial. Military districts | Australian War Memorial. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/military-districts. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].
Mayo Clinic (2021). Fibromyalgia. [online] Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780. [Accessed 31 Jul. 2025].
Australian War Memorial. Battle of Milne Bay. [online] www.awm.gov.au. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E84334. [Accessed 26 Jul. 2025].
Australian War Memorial. Battle of Buna. [online] www.awm.gov.au. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E84314. [Accessed 28 Jul. 2025].
Australian War Memorial. 2/10th Australian Infantry Battalion. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U56053. [Accessed 21 Jul. 2025].
Australian War Memorial (2025). FREMANTLE, WA. 1942-03-20. AERIAL PORT SIDE VIEW OF THE BRITISH TRANSPORT NEVASA WHICH ... [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C250084 [Accessed 2 Aug. 2025].
Virtual War Memorial Australia. Maitland War Memorial. Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/memorials/488. [Accessed 5 Aug. 2025].

Virtual War Memorial Australia. Point Pearce Memorial and Flagpoles to Narungga Men and Women, Point Pearce, South Australia, Australia. [online] Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/memorials/691 [Accessed 5 Aug. 2025].
Virtual War Memorial Australia. Point Pearce Roll of Honour. Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/memorials/1331 [Accessed 5 Aug. 2025].