Anzac Centenary Project

Hear tales from people with links to Campbelltown who served with Australian forces during wartime, including Reg Hulbert, John Jess, Jack Phillips, Peter Smith, Clarrie Graham, Alfred Wright, and Kangaroo March.

Conflicts covered include World War I, WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Kangaroo March Re-enactment 2015

In September 2015 a group of volunteers, including original descendants, marched from Wagga Wagga to Campbelltown, recreating the Kangaroo March of 1915. Andrew Allen spoke to some of the participants. Thank you to Neil, Peter, Suzie, James, Bill, Heather, Jackson and O.J. and to all the Kangaroo Marchers.


Clarence (Clarrie) James Graham - World War I

As recollected by Barry and Judith (Judy) Anne Reid: Barry and Judy talk about Judy's Grandfather's experiences in World War I driving ambulances under heavy fire as well his civilian life.

Anzac Centenary Project Interview by: Andrew Allen, Local Studies, Campbelltown City Library

Recorded: 20 June 2014

Denise Moses and Laurie Willard remember Alfred Wright

Read the Transcript of interview with Barry Roy Reid and Judith Anne Reid(PDF, 139KB)


Reg Hulbert - World War II Veteran

Born 15 November 1924 Reg Hulbert joined the navy when he was 17. Chronically seasick and unable to swim Reg tells of his time during World War II

Anzac Centenary Project Interview by: Andrew Allen, Local Studies, Campbelltown City Library

Recorded: 17 December 2014

Portrait of interviewee Reg Hulbert

Read the Transcript of interview with Reg Hulbert(PDF, 175KB)


John Jess - World War II

Northern Irelander, John Jess joined the British army in 1934 as a regular. During World War II he was captured by the Japanese Army and found himself among Australians at Changi prisoner of war camp in Singapore.

At the time of recording John was a hundred and two years old.

Anzac Centenary Project Interview by: Andrew Allen, Local Studies, Campbelltown City Library

Recorded: 2 November 2015

Portrait of interviewee John Jess

Read the Transcript of interview with John Jess(PDF, 90KB)


Martin Peebles - Navy Veteran

After being part of the cadets, Martin joined the navy in 1970 serving as ship's cook on destroyers and patrol boats. He also talks of his father who served during the second world war in the 6th Australian Heavy Anti-Aircraft battery at Morotai.

Anzac Centenary Project Interview by: Andrew Allen, Local Studies, Campbelltown City Library

Recorded: 14 July 2016

Portrait of Martin Peebles

Read the Transcript of interview with Martin Peebles(PDF, 310KB)


Jack Phillips - World War II

Jack Phillips, 93, tells of his experiences during World War II in the RAAF based in East Anglia, England.

Anzac Centenary Project Interview by: Andrew Allen, Local Studies, Campbelltown City Library

Recorded: 20 August 2015

Photo of interviewee Jack Phillips

Read the Transcript of interview with Jack Phillips(PDF, 92KB)


Peter Smith - Korean War Veteran

An oral history of Korean War veteran Peter Smith, who volunteered to join the Royal Australian Navy on 19 October 1950, aged 17 years and 9 months.

Anzac Centenary Project Interview by: Andrew Allen, Local Studies, Campbelltown City Library

Recorded: 3 September 2014

Portrait of Interviewee Peter Smith

Read the Transcript of interview with Peter Smith(PDF, 127KB)


Terry Westerway - Vietnam War Veteran

Joining the Australian army in 1964 and learning in '66 that he was going to Vietnam, Terry speaks to Andrew Allen about his experiences.

Please note this interview contains some infrequent mild course language.

Anzac Centenary Project Interview by: Andrew Allen, Local Studies, Campbelltown City Library

Recorded: 14 September 2016

Portrait of Terry Westerway

Read the Transcript of interview with Terry Westerway(PDF, 394KB)


Alfred Wright - World War I and WWII

As recollected by Denise Moses and Laurie Willard: Alfred Wright served in both World War One and Two where he attained the rank of Warrant Officer. Denise and Lauren talk to Andrew Allen about the stories their Grandfather told them.

Anzac Centenary Project Interview by: Andrew Allen, Local Studies, Campbelltown City Library

Recorded: 25 July 2014

Barry and Judy Reid discuss Clarrie Graham

Read the Transcript of interview with Denise Moses and Lauren Willard(PDF, 115KB)