Nelson Bay RSL sub-Branch honours oldest veteran Port Stephens Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - July 24, 2024 (Back row) Nelson Bay RSL sub-Branch Welfare Officers John Collins and Sam Gardner, with (front row) veterans Harry ‘Norm’ Cason, Eric Bray and sub-Branch President Mark Balsarini. VETERAN volunteer staff at Nelson Bay RSL sub-Branch hosted a very special guest on Tuesday 16 July. David ‘Eric’ Brae recently celebrated his 100th Birthday, and is believed to be the last surviving World War Two combat veteran living in Port Stephens. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Eric was born on a sheep station near Collarenebri, NSW on 14 June 1924, and after a brief stint as a fitter and turner with the Kirby Company, was called up to enlist in the RAAF in 1943. After basic training in Queensland, Eric was sent to the Pacific Command engaged in fighting the Japanese forces who at the time occupied many Pacific islands, and were threatening the security of Australia’s land and territories. In May of that year, United States forces had invaded the enemy held Aleutian Islands, and a Japanese submarine sank the Australian hospital ship Centaur with the loss of 299 lives. At the same time, in Shoal Bay (where Eric now lives) and Little Beach, huge beach landing exercises were taking place with US Marines, Royal Australian Navy and Commandos all training together with the specific goal of defeating the invading Japanese forces. Eric was sent to the island of Morotai, part of a peninsula of Western New Guinea, in what is now Indonesia’s Maluku Island group. On 15 September 1944, United States and Australian forces landed on the southwest corner of Morotai, which the Allies needed as a base to support the liberation of the Philippines later that year. Fighting for the island continued until the end of the war in 1945, however Eric and his comrades not only held off a very determined and aggressive enemy, but also managed to build two airfields and associated defences, further strengthening the Allied effort. On Tuesday, Eric was presented with gifts and a framed letter from Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Chipman, part of which read: “Air Force’s current aviators draw great inspiration from the efforts of our veterans. “Your distinguished service in Air Force as a Leading Aircraftsman Fitter Driver whilst stationed at Morotai is a true reflection of your values and sacrifice, which we try to echo each day. “On behalf of all Aviators of the Royal Australian Air Force, thank you for your valuable service to Australia, and congratulations on achieving your 100th Birthday.” By Simon EKINS Eric’s medals on display in the Nelson Bay RSL museum. Landing Ship, Tanks (LSTs) beaching at Morotai in September 1944.
