Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

A farmer of Caping met a tragic death when he was drowned in the O'Connell River on Christmas night. He was Reginald James "Digger" Sunderland, aged 35, son of Mr. And Mrs. E. Sunderland, who reside at Caping Siding, near Proserpine. Deceased had been in the habit of visiting friends and nearby relatives and his absence did not cause concern until the following Saturday morning, when his father telephone a nearby neighbour and found that "Digger" had left for his home at 9 p.m. the previous Sunday evening.

Members of the family and friends then commenced a search, and at 1 p.m. on Saturday, 31st December, 1955, the body was located by A.B.C. Denkewitz in the O'Connell River at the rear of Mr. Scodellaro's farm. Mrs. M. Cavalli immediately communicated with the Proserpine police, who proceeded to the scene.

Investigation disclosed that deceased apparently mistook the crossing, getting into difficulties in one of a number of deep holes nearby, and drowned. The body was found about 100 yards below the crossing. Police state there were no suspicious circumstances.

Deceased is survived by his parents Mr. And Mrs. E.J. Sunderland, two brothers William and Donald, and two sisters, Mrs. Vic Norman and Mrs. Jack Cowan (Proserpine).

"Digger" served with the 1st Australian Paratroop Battalion as a Corporal during World War II, and afterwards spent some time in Japan with the Army of Occupation.

The funeral left St. Paul's Church of England on Saturday afternoon. Rev. R.A.B. Nicholls offiicating at the services. The casket was draped with the Union Jack, and Rev. T.B. Jorden-Ayling read the RSSAILA burial services.