Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The eldest among the brothers, Henry ‘William’ Long (QX47311; Q114869), born in 1914 in Mackay, worked as a farm labourer. Henry had a great love for cars and photography. He never married but stayed in close contact with his siblings. He enlisted in 1941 in Mackay and served in the Australian Army having the rank of Bombardier. The letter by an official, Australian Military Forces – Northern Command (9 September 1942) stated that Henry Long had been a member of the unit since 1st December 1941. He was promoted to Brigadier on 9 Mart 1942 at present has been recommended and was awaiting official promulgation of further promotion to Sergeant. The letter further declared that his technical and tactical knowledge were sound and he had done a very good job. He was an excellent type of M.C. O. being intelligent and reliable and possesses considerable initiative. His character reference by the military official also stressed that Henry ‘is of good character and pleasing personality and combined with his high sense of loyalty fitted him for any position of responsibility in the service’. Altogether references suggested his hard work, patriotism and dedication to the army. After the war, Henry lived on his own and died in the Rockhampton Hospital.

From the book:

Dzavid Haveric, 'A History of Muslims in the Australian Military from 1885 to 1945: Loyalty, Patriotism, Contribution’, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, London, 2024