Ray Wright - 1942

Private Raymond Harry Wright

AIF Service Number NX92796
World War II: Pacific Theatre

Enlisted: 17 March 1942

Discharged: 14 December 1945

My Dad is so handsome here in his Australian Army uniform. His cheery, carefree smile betrays no indication that he is headed off to war in the Pacific, leaving a young wife at home with three small children aged 9, 5 and 2. Mum once told me that Dad felt honour bound to join up. She said that he could not allow his mates to go off and risk their lives for their country, while he sat safely at home. Like many young men of his generation, Dad never spoke about his experiences during the War. And he was not one to attend Army reunions or march on Anzac Day. After returning from the War, he seemed to want to put that entire part of his life completely behind him. On a personal note, I am very grateful he returned safely, because less than 4 years later I was born.