Richard George Edwards Oral History

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DescriptionThis interview consists of five audio recordings and transcripts. Richard George Edwards was interviewed on 11 September 2004 by Shirley Kingsford McLeod.
The interview was for the "War Veterans oral history project" in partnership with Fairfield RSL.Interview SummaryRichard George Edwards was born in Devonshire, England. His parents, Cathrine and Cyril Bertram had 5 children. Cyril, born on the 8th March 1920 (who also joined the Navy), Lillian (Lilly) born on the 29th June 1920, Eileen born on 31st July 1922, George born on the 5th August 1924 and Maureen born on 19th August 1935. His stepfather was also in the Navy; he served in submarines as a torpedo officer.

George attended schooling at Horrabridge Primary School and the Kelly College (a military college). He undertook training with the ATC (Air Force Training Cadet) when he was about 14; he wanted to become a fleet air arm-pilot. The war started when he turned 15.

In his hometown, George worked for a dairy and did the milk run. He was also a paperboy and delivered the daily newspapers to the village.

Whilst he was at ATC, he was placed in the Reserve Occupation and served as a messenger boy for the ARP (Air Raid Patrol). His duty include riding a bike and relaying messages when the telephone was down. George also rang the church bells each night (before sirens were used) to alert the community of nightly raids.

George volunteered to join the Navy on the 28th October 1939 at 17. During wartime, George became a Home Guard, volunteered in the local Fire Brigade and was also a Fire Watcher.

He went into fulltime service on the 29th October 1942. George had a nickname - Jan, short for Janner.

George started his naval training at Malvern Hills (in the Midlands) and underwent 6 weeks of intensive training. He was sent to South Hampton and station at Port Smith Barracks & Plymouth Barracks. He undertook his training on the “Revenge”, “Bulldog” & “Escapade”. George trained as a “stoker” and learned about the management of boilers in the engine room of battleship.

George travelled around the world with the British Navy. He recounts his journey during the war years as many assignments took him to far corners of the world. One of the crucial roles that the Navy provided after the Japanese surrender was to transport ex-POWs back to their homelands. His ship sailed to many destinations, from England to the Suez Canal, to the Arab Gulf region, to Sri Lanka, Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Macquarie Island, Hawaii, Canada, the Panama Canal, Chile and Easter Islands.

George married Elaine Patricia on the 8th June 1946; the couple briefly met when George stayed in Sydney after the Navy assisted with the repatriation of Australian soldiers from Balikpapan. His wife travelled to England after their marriage and the couple had two girls, Elaine Mary born on the 2nd November 1947 and Sandra Jeanne born on the 1st March 1949.

Just like his military career, George’s working career was diverse and interesting. In England, George was a postman and a plasterer and when he settled in Australia, George became a Sales’ Rep.

The family initially lived at 222 The Horsley Drive, Smithfield from 1951-1953 and then moved to Cabramatta in 1954.

Transcript

Interview Transcript - Richard George Edwards - Part 5

Interview Transcript - Richard George Edwards - Part 4

Interview Transcript - Richard George Edwards - Part 3

Interview Transcript - Richard George Edwards - Part 2

Interview Transcript - Richard George Edwards - Part 1

Audio

Interview with Richard George Edwards - Part 5

Interview with Richard George Edwards - Part 4

Interview with Richard George Edwards - Part 3

Interview with Richard George Edwards - Part 2

Interview with Richard George Edwards - Part 1

Details

IntervieweeRichard George EdwardsInterviewerShirley Kingsford McLeodDate of interview11/09/2004DurationTotal interview 01:51:22Transcripts availableYesRightsFairfield City Council Access ConditionsAccess open for research, written permission required for personal copies and public use

Connections

Oral History ProjectThe Way We Were - People of FairfieldLocal War VeteransAll Oral HistoriesCollectionMilitary Collection