Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Sydney Harold Stubbs belongs to a distinguished generation of Australians whose lives were marked by service in both the First and Second World Wars. Having first answered the call during the Great War, he again stepped forward more than two decades later when Australia faced a new global conflict. His record reflects endurance, loyalty, and a lifetime commitment to country. (NAA, 2026)

During the First World War, Stubbs served in the Australian Imperial Force as Gunner 56143, joining the artillery reinforcements from South Australia in 1918. He embarked aboard HMAT Marathon A74 and was allotted to the 10th Field Artillery Brigade, one of the formations that supported Australian infantry on the Western Front in the final months of the war. He survived that conflict and returned home, one of the fortunate veterans able to rebuild a civilian life after the devastation of 1914–1918. (AWM , 2026)

When the Second World War broke out in 1939, Sydney Harold Stubbs was no longer a young man. Yet, like many veterans of the earlier war, he again volunteered his experience and service. His National Archives of Australia service file records his Second AIF enlistment under barcode 6245796, where he served with the renowned 2/3rd Machine Gun Battalion. This second act of service speaks volumes about his character: he had already done his part once, but chose to serve again when Australia needed seasoned men. (AWM, 2026)

The 2/3rd Machine Gun Battalion was raised in June 1940 and was strongly South Australian in character. Commanded initially by the decorated Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Blackburn VC, the battalion specialised in the Vickers medium machine gun, providing sustained fire support to Australian infantry brigades. These units were elite technical formations requiring discipline, accuracy, and coolness under pressure. (NAA, 2026)

The battalion served across multiple theatres of war. In 1941, it fought in the Syria–Lebanon Campaign, supporting Australian operations against Vichy French forces in rugged terrain and difficult conditions. In 1942, elements of the battalion were sent to the Netherlands East Indies, where many were captured during the desperate defence of Java as Japan advanced southward. Later, the battalion was re-formed in Australia and served in the Aitape–Wewak Campaign in New Guinea during 1944–45, helping to defeat remaining Japanese forces. (AWM, 2026)

For a man who had already served in the mud and gunfire of the First World War, returning to uniform in the Second World War required remarkable resolve. Veterans like Stubbs carried memories of one war into another, bringing maturity, steadiness, and hard-earned knowledge to younger soldiers.

Sydney Harold Stubbs represents a rare and respected cohort: Australians who served in both world wars. Their contribution bridged two generations of sacrifice. They defended Australia and the Empire in 1918, then stood again against tyranny in 1939–45.

Today, we honour Sydney Harold Stubbs not only as a soldier, but as a symbol of duty sustained across a lifetime. Twice he answered the call. Twice he wore the uniform of Australia. His story deserves remembrance.

Lest We Forget.