Merle Cashman discusses the service of her father Donald Enoch in New Guinea in World War 2. Donald joined up because he felt he had to defend his country, but came to despise the Army, not least because they would not allow him to return from New Guinea to see his mother, who had become gravely ill, before she passed away. Merle believes that her father returned from war mentally scarred, and that he became increasingly embittered having fought for his country only to return to continuing racism and disadvantage, and that he turned to alcohol to try and cope. Donald’s brother Colin also fought in World War 2 and Merle’s aunty Joyce Enoch also served in the Army, as does Merle’s own son currently. Merle also discusses Stradbroke Island, her father’s country, and its importance to her and all her family.

This interview took place on 8 July 2014 in Brisbane and was conducted by 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), Merle Cashman. 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.

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