Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Diary_of_NX16281_John_William_Claud_MOXHAM.docx

Private_Chris_Johnstone__2nd_8th_Field_Ambulance.pdf

https://seapower.navy.gov.au/hmas-stuart-ii

https://seapower.navy.gov.au/hmas-stuart-ii

Edith Butler was Puss Campbell's matron in 2/3AGH in England and 2/11AGH in Alexandria. Both were very active in the Returned Sisters Sub-branch of the RSL (SA). There are numerous references to Edith in the book, including a chapter on the challenges she faced as 2/3AGH matron

This is invaluable resource about Edith Butler's nursing career and experiences.

This is a collection of short articles by South Australian AANS describing their experiences. Locations covered include England, the Middle East, the South West Pacific and Australia.

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Following an attack this officer was in charge of the reconnaissance of roads, railways, wells, dumps, &c., in the captured area. By keeping close up and organizing his various parties he was able to furnish headquarters with prompt information regarding water supply, tools, and stores &c., found. After seeing two tanks and a waggon blown up by mines, he, at great risk, removed or destroyed a number of others. He set a fine example of initiative and courage.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4568100

From the Runnymede Memorial to the Missing The first rays of the dawning sun Shall touch its pillars, And as the day advances And the light grows stronger, You shall read the names Engraved on the stone Of those who sailed on the angry sky And saw harbour no more. No gravestone in yew-dark churchyard Shall mark the resting place; Their bones lie in the forgotten corners Of earth and sea But, that we may not lose their memory With fading years, their monument stand here, Here, at the heart of England, half-way between Royal Windsor and Lordly London; looking down, Here, where the trees troops down to Runnymede Meadow of Magna Carta, field of freedom, Never saw you so fitting a memorial, Proof that the principles established here Are still dear to the hearts of men. Here now they stand, contrasted and alike, The field of freedom's birth, and the memorial To freedom's winning. And, as the evening comes, And mists, like quiet ghosts, rise from the river bed, And climb the hill to wander through the cloisters, We shall not forget them. Above the mist We shall see the memorial still, and over it The crown and single star. And we shall pray, As the mists rise up and the air grows dark, That we may wear A brave a heart as they.

https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=1204835&c=WW2

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=5546505

https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=1204835&c=WW2

"The last Squadron involved was No. 463, which included pilot William (Bill) Jack Purdy. The Squadron flew Arvo Lancasters, each equiped with ‘14 1,000 pound bombs,’ and on D-Day, attacked the five German naval guns at Point du Hoc. Bill recalls D-Day as ‘a sight to be seen,’ with ‘5,000 small boats and 300 warships’ blanketing the English Channel. It was almost as if he could have ‘put his wheels down and taxied home,’ such was the proximity of the ships clustered together. On D-Day, all of 463 Squadron’s bombs on D-Day were dropped in an area ‘less than the size of a city block,’ completely obliterating the German defences and artillery. Without the success of this critical mission, the American Ranger Assault Group may not have been able to capture Point du Hoc later that day. Bill’s final memory of the mission is returning back to base and eating bacon and eggs, only to be interrupted and sent back into the fighting. Bill flew in a further 36 sorties during the invasion of Normandy. He survived the war, and was awarded the DFC. In 2014, at the age of 90, he flew lead Tiger Moth in the Anzac Day fly over of Sydney Harbour, proving that even 70 years after D-Day, he is still very at home in the air."