James McDermott discusses the service of his father Claude McDermott who was captured and held for 3 and a half years as a POW in Singapore during World War 2. Claude was left with lasting physical health issues and he also struggled mentally and emotionally to deal with the trauma of his experience in Changi prison, and he passed away at only 51 years of age. James talks about the incredible pride he and his whole family have in Claude’s service for Australia, and James marches every Anzac Day wearing Claude’s medals. James also expresses the ‘relief’ at being able to tell his father’s story: ‘I’m here today telling that story and feeling very proud’.

This interview took place on 23 April 2015 in Tweed Heads 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), James McDermott. 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 James McDermott’s participant page.