Alec Illin's interview in Townsville

Alec Illin was born in Townsville in 1947. He spent the first part of his childhood growing up in Ingham, before returning to Townsville at around the age of ten, where he has lived ever since. Alec’s two uncles, Dick and Tommy, served in the armed forces. His father also joined the Army; however, he was discharged after only a short time due to medical reasons. Alec himself enlisted for service in 1965 and served in the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Section Commander. While in the Army, Alec said he was not looked upon as a blackfella. Rather, his battalion respected him as a leader.

This interview took place on 15 April 2014 in Townsville and was conducted by Dr Allison Cadzow 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), Alec Illin. 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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Updated:  16 July 2015/Responsible Officer:  Director, Serving our Country/Page Contact:  CAP Web Team