Ron Ralph’s brother Sydney served in New Guinea in World War 2, and his uncle Arthur also served and was a Prisoner of War in Japan. Some of Ron’s most vivid memories of his brother’s service are of the letters and photographs that he sent home while he was away, and the objects he brought home with him from the war. Sydney was troubled by his wartime service, both mentally and physically, spending time in hospital as the result of his malaria and other health issues and Ron’s uncle Arthur also returned home emaciated and troubled by his PoW experience. Sydney attended Anzac Day with his fellow soldiers, and Ron continues to attend on his behalf.

This interview took place on 2 September 2015 in Mandurah and was conducted by Dr Allison Cadzow and Dr Mary Anne Jebb 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 listened to here by permission of the interviewee(s), Ron Ralph. 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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