BY KEITH JACKSON
CUTHBERT OSWALD (Bill) Harry AM OBE (VX24800), who escaped from the Japanese invasion of Rabaul and became a leading figure in the Returned Services League, died in Victoria on 4 January at the age of 94.
Bill was a quiet man with a wonderfully dry sense of humour. He was a committed Christian and churchman, and a devoted family man.
After joining 2/22nd Battalion on 10 June 1940, Bill was sent to defend Rabaul in 1941. After Rabaul fell on 23 January 1942, he was one of the comparatively few who escaped, spending some time in the jungle before being rescued. During this time he coordinated escaping stragglers into larger groups.
Bill was subsequently posted to ANGAU, being discharged with the rank of Warrant Officer (2nd Class) in March 1946. After the war, as a passionate believer in the people of PNG, he made around 20 return visits - including the Return to Rabaul 50th anniversary commemoration in 1992.
Bill was State Honorary Treasurer of the Victorian State Branch of the RSL for 38 years from 1956-94 as well as a member of the State Council from 1951-94 and the State Executive from 1954-94. He was one of the longest serving office bearers in the RSL’s history.
He had joined the RSL in September 1947 and was on the staff of the Victorian Soldier Settlement Commission. He held the position of Deputy Chairman until 1981.
His central role in the 1956 appeal ‘Operation Gratitude’ raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the building of hostels and independent living units for war veterans and war widows. At the same time the RSL War Veterans’ Homes Trust and the RSL Widows’ and Widowed Mothers’ Trust were formed with Bill as the Honorary Treasurer of both until 1994.
He also performed considerable voluntary work with the Salvation Army Red Shield Citizen Committee, the Corps of Commissionaires, Anti-Cancer Council Appeal, Springvale Necropolis Trust, Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and the Mlebourne Lord Mayor’s Fund.
Bill was awarded RSL Life Membership with Gold Badge in 1963 and the RSL’s highest honour, the Meritorious Service Medal, in 1983.
Spotter and additional material: Max Hayes
Bill Harry was a farm boy, one of four sons. The family was accustomed to hard work and hard times. They'd been through droughts and depressions.
When Bill enlisted in the 2/22nd at the age of 23 he was extremely fit and, it was said, no soldier was tougher. While other members of Lark Force remained in or close to pre-war Rabaul, Bill Harry was granted permission to accompany Methodist missionaries on patrols deep into the Baining Mountains.
By the time the Japanese invaded, he knew more about the northern region of New Britain than anyone else in Lark Force.
Later he ran over rough terrain and travelled by canoe to make urgent contact with escape organisers.
His colleagues expected the 40 mile round trip would take up to four days. Bill Harry did it in just 30 hours.
Posted by: Don Hook | 17 January 2011 at 08:42 AM
I lived I'm Rabaul in the late 1940-50s. My grandfather owned and built the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Have you written articles around that time not just about the hotel. I'm interested in Chinatown and the locals.
Posted by: Sandra | 14 January 2011 at 06:57 PM