Francis Hayes discusses his National Service in Malaysia in the 1960s. Francis signed up against his mother’s wishes but made strong friendships in the army and enjoyed his service, even if some of the things he did and saw have impacted his life to this day. Francis tells stories of his time in Malaysia, the mates he made and the patrols he went on. He also discusses life after the army, how he often felt lonely and misunderstood, and for many years had issues with drinking and smoking to excess, but also the many positives, particularly his extensive work for the Katherine Indigenous community across justice, housing, men’s health and many other areas. So too, Francis is on the Katherine RSL committee and very active in local veteran’s affairs and events.

NOTE: This recording is split into two video files as it is too long for a single video file on this system.

This interview took place on 14 September 2015 in Katherine and was conducted by Professor Mick Dodson and Dr Allison Cadzow with Craig Greene as part of the Australian Research Council-funded research project Serving our Country: a history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the defence of Australia.

The interview recording above is made available to be viewed here by permission of the interviewee(s), Francis Hayes. The recording may not be copied, reproduced or communicated in whole or in part without the prior permission of the interviewee(s). Requests for permission for use of this material should be made to the Serving our Country research project: our contact details.

• Return to Francis Hayes’ participant page.