Veterans Gallery A to M

NX70618 Captain Eleanor Elizabeth BROGAN was born in Moruya on 5th October 1909. She enlisted into the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) on the 10th January 1941. Ellie served in the Middle East and New Guinea with the 9 Australian General Hospital (9 AGH). She survived the war and discharged from the army on the 19th September 1946. She married Walter BOOTH after the war. He was a returning POW of the Japanese, having been captured in the fall of Java. Eleanor Elizabeth BROGAN passed away on 1st May 1985.

Eric Lee COWDROY was born on 21st July 1921 in Moruya. He enlisted into the AMF (Australian Military Forces) and was allocated the Service Number N268141. He transferred to the AIF (Australian Imperial Force) on the 4th March 1943 whilst serving in New Guinea (Port Moresby) and his service number changed to NX152104. Eric served with the 7 Machine Gun Battalion and survived the war, discharging from the army on the 19th December 1945.

Owen James BASKETT was born on 25th August, 1921 in Moruya. His records from the World War Two Nominal Roll indicate he enlisted into the AMF (Australian Military Force) from Mullenderree. It is believed he transferred from the AMF to the AIF on 25th August 1942 (his 21st birthday) whilst in New Guinea. He served on the Kokoda Trail with the 3rd Battalion (militia) and fought at Ioribaiwa through to Templeton's Crossing. He was evacuated sick and was helped by the famous Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels; stating he will never forget the assistance they gave to him and his mates. Owen survived the fighting and discharged from the army on 25th October 1944 as a result of his illness. Many Moruya ex-high school students will fondly remember him as the dedicated school caretaker. He passed away in May 2015 and this website is dedicated to his memory. Rest in Peace Owen, your duty nobly done.