SGT Graham Stanley James RAAFTully War Grave |
Who was Graham "Jessie" James?
How did he come to be buried in a Far North Queensland so far from home
Graham or as Jessie as he was known to his friends was a young airman in his early twenties when he died in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. The accident that lead to his death was the culmination of a series of minor events. The accident revealed that in spite of the perilous situation, the best in human nature of the came to fore. Heroism amidst the crocodile and shark inhabited waters of Hinchinbrook Channel. One man struggled to rescue his crew mates and to attempt to resusitate Jessie.Graham was more than the sum total of the events that lead to his death. He was a young South Australian man with parents, brothers and sisters.
In his short life he developed a repore with his siblings that lingers fondly today as they approach their twlight years. He was a young man prepared to defend his King, his country, his family and friends. A dedication that had him leave his employment and his family. Ultimately it cost him and his family the highest price.
As his family pass on there remains little to remember Graham just the sacrific that he was willing to give for us, and for that we remember him fondly and with thanks... Lest We Forget
The events leading to Graham's death and how the local people paid their solemn respects in burying him is contained within the publication "A16-162, Hinchinbrook Channel and the RAAF" .
Also contained in the publication is the grueling task of salvaging and transporting the crashed aircraft for the war effort. Step by step photographs of the recovery events and recollections of the men involved are included.
The book concludes with fate of the surviving crew, and how after over half a century a township still honours the fallen.
ISBN 0-646-314 06 8
The book is available for $15 posted to anywhere in Australian.>
Copies can be purchased by sending payment in Australian Dollars to:
Hudson Bomber
12 High St.,
Bundaberg, QLD
Australia 4670
Alternatively you may contact me by e-mail
[email protected]Words never describe the anguish that invades men's hearts as they see those around them fall in war.
nor can words detail the strength of those who must struggle to protect those who remain.
| Favorite Links | ||
|