As ANZAC Day approaches, it is fitting that we have a look at the connection that some of our Old Collegians have had with the Australian defence force and war.
Dion Courtney (Class of 1993) went on to serve with the Australian defence force as a naval pilot, flying Seahawk helicopters and serving overseas in Iraq. He has also returned to the College to be involved in our Careers' counselling programs. He was inducted into the Mercy Honour Roll in 2017.
In 2018, Fiona Haynes (Class of 1989) was inducted into the Mercy Honour Roll for her leadership and skill in the Army as the most senior education officer. She is pictured in the gallery below in 1986 (with Di De Munk) and more recently with her children. .
The story below is taken from a new book which will be published in August celebrating the College’s 125th anniversary this year.
Lest we forget.
1944 — the 15-year-old who went to war
Bill Phillips was one of 11 children from his family who attended the Convent school (MLMC). In June 1942 he enlisted to serve in the Second World War, even though he was only 15 years old, telling the military authorities he was 19. According to Bill, his parents were unaware that he had done this. His father was already in the Army and his mother had 10 other children at home to look after and thought he was away working in the bush.
After his training he was transferred into an Anti-Aircraft Battery and was sent to New Guinea. He served on the frontline for a year until he contracted dengue fever and while he was in hospital the military authorities discovered his real age. Even though he had served for two years he was still just 17 and still underage and so was discharged in June 1944.
His military career didn’t end there, though. Bill enlisted again in July 1945, when he was 18, and served as an army instructor until 1950 when he volunteered for service in the Korean War. He only made it as far as Japan when his earlier tropical disease flared up, resulting in him being sent home and discharged. Bill passed away in 2015. He is pictured in the gallery below wearing his medals alongside his sons (picture courtesy of Mt Evelyn RSL).
