Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

ERNEST ROBERT JOHN LEE
The late Mr Ernest Robert John (Ernie) Lee, who passed away at his Cannonvale home on Thursday last week was a native of Proserpine, being born here fifty one years ago.
As a young man he worked at various jobs in the cane fields, and also at timber cutting.
In April, 1941 he enlisted in the 2nd AIF and two months later was in action with the 2/31st Battalion, in Syria. He served throughout the war, taking part in every campaign fought by his unit, until wounded in an ambush, at Balikpapan, in Borneo, in an action which wiped out most members of his platoon.
After his discharge at the close of hostilities, he returned to Proserpine, but also cut cane for a time, during the crushing, at Ayr. Here he married Miss Maude McDonald, of Ayr in 1947 and later returned home , to purchase a Sugarloaf farm from his father, the late Mr. A.E.E. (Jumi) Lee.
He worked this farm for 15 years, until his health suddenly began to fail, late in 1962, and he disposed of his farming interests the following year, and took up residence at Cannonvale.
Here he lived in retirement, with his wife and family, until the time of his death.
As an ex-serviceman he took a keen interest in the affairs of the 25th Brigade Association based at Rockhampton. His Battalion was part of this Brigade during the war.
He always kept in touch with old mates, through the Brigade Association attending its annual reunion at Rockhampton, and representatives of the Association were present at his funeral.
The late Mr Lee's funeral moved from St Pauls Anglican Church last Friday afternoon, the Rev Fr J M Payne officiated at the Church and graveside.
The ex-servicemen's burial service was read by Mr Worthington, with Last Post and Reveille being sounded by Bugler Graham Wilson.
The late Mr Lee is survived by his wife, two sons, Victor and Mervyn, and three daughters Pat (Mrs J Conserdyne, Joy and Suzanne. Also one granddaughter.