Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week I had the honour of meeting a true local hero, Mr Edwin 'Ted' Bousen. Ted is a 97-year-old resident of Upper Mount Gravatt and a World War II veteran. I want to share his incredible story as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans.

On 25 August 2017 the Department of Veterans' Affairs held a private reception and last post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay. Ted flew down here with his carer to attend this important commemoration. I was fortunate enough to meet him on his return home. He shared with me his war experiences in such a raw and emotional way. It's a meeting that I won't soon forget. Ted worked as a plasterer before he volunteered for service in March 1941 in Toowoomba. On 28 August, 1942, he embarked for service with the 61tst Australian infantry battalion in New Guinea on the MV Anshun and he went on to serve in Milne Bay.

Milne Bay was the first major battle of the Pacific War. While it was a decisive allied victory, reputed to be the first defeat of a Japanese amphibious landing in World War II, Australia suffered heavy losses. It's hard to imagine what Ted went through there. More than 370 Australians were killed or wounded, and the Japanese suffered almost 1,500 casualties. (Time expired)