Anzac Day, tribute to Norbert (Nobby) Earl MSC, Kokoda Track.

MSC memories for Anzac Day concern the many men who served in the armed forces in war, in peace time, and the many chaplains.

Recommended is Jim Littleton’s revised book on the Armed Forces, many names, many stories.

With the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and the PMG, James Marape, walking two days of the Kokoda Track this week,

there were many reports in the media. In an article in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, Peter Fitzsimmons included four stories from his book on the Kokoda campaign. Here is his marvellous story about crossfire, a pause of a funeral, the crossfire – and Nobby Earl (Six or seven years ordained and in his early 30s).

And a fine tribute:

 “Father, Nobby to us heretics, and whom he liked to be called by us who were not of his faith; never have I met a man who has made such an impression on me by his absolute, simple faith; and if I was asked to say what my definition of a thoroughly happy man was I would say Nobby Earl. He owned nothing and yet he owned the world. P.76. Major M.I.Bidstrup, interview 14 January 1986.