Helen Akee

Helen Akee

Helen Akee discusses her father Wabay Akee’s service with the Torres Strait Islander Light Infantry Battalion during World War 2. Wabay relocated to Thursday Island from Murray Island to serve with the battalion, leaving his wife and family behind. Helen believes he was 15 or 16 when he enlisted, and after the war he was disappointed with his treatment, particularly in relation to the government’s reluctance to give him and his fellow soldiers an appropriate pension. As a result, Wabay refused to attend Anzac Day ceremonies. Helen also briefly discusses other men who served.

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Updated:  16 July 2015/Responsible Officer:  Director, Serving our Country/Page Contact:  CAP Web Team