Les Boyd discusses his service in the Australian Navy as a radio operator. He recounts instances of racism during his service but also the excellent training and opportunities he was afforded, and the recognition by his peers and superiors that he was one of, if not the best radio operator in the Navy at the time. Les also talks about his post service life, work and family.

This interview took place on 9 April 2014 in Cairns and was conducted by Professor Mick Dodson 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), Les Boyd. 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 Les Boyd’s participant page.