Author Vicki Bennett learnt of this story when working with Gamilaroi man, Des Crump, on another project. Des Crump told of a WW1 welcome home ceremony given for his Great Uncle Charlie and George Bennett on their traditional Country in 1919 when they returned after WW1. It was one of the very few welcome home ceremonies Indigenous soldiers received.
Charlie Bird, George Bennett and Jack Stacey tried to join the war effort but as Indigenous Australians, they were not allowed to at first. Things changed however and they were accepted and soon found themselves on a troopship bound for Egypt. There Jack’s skills in handling camels impressed and he became a member of the Camel Corps. Though sad to leave their mate, Charlie and George were excited to go and fight with many other nations’ soldiers on the Western Front. There the conditions were noisy and chaotic and Charlie missed home, particularly its gentle peace and space.
Charlie returned to Australia in June 1919 and returned home to a Heroes Welcome at Euraba, the Aboriginal Station via Boomi on the Queensland-NSW border. An event reported in several newspapers, including ‘The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural & Mining Advocate’, highlights a welcome home for two Indigenous soldiers at Euraba Station Aboriginal Station - Charlie Bird and George Bennett.
The three mates survived the war though sadly, a mustard gas attack permanently damaged Charlie’s lungs and he could no longer work as a shearer with Jack and George. Ever resourceful Charlie started a business transporting goods.
Vicki Bennett acknowledges the generosity shown by Des Crump and his family in sharing and trusting her with this story and providing access to family information and documents. Illustrator Debbie Taylor Worley is a Gamilaraay woman who lives on Bundjalung country. She acknowledges Des Crump’s generosity in sharing the story of his Great Uncle.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
