Arabic version: احتفال باكتشاف أول مستلم صليب عسكري من السكان الأصليين

The Australian War Memorial has uncovered the remarkable story of Captain Sidney Leonard Morse, the first Indigenous recipient of the Military Cross, awarded for his gallantry during World War II. This significant discovery was made by a volunteer historian who was compiling family trees at the memorial. According to ABC News, Morse was awarded the Military Cross in 1943 for his actions while serving in New Guinea.

Born in Devonport and later a butcher in Bendigo, Morse enlisted in the Army as a private in 1939. By 1943, he had risen to the rank of captain. His bravery was particularly noted during the Battle of Mubo, where he led his company against multiple enemy attacks. The citation for his Military Cross highlighted his “conduct and bold leadership,” noting that he inspired his men while disregarding his own safety.

The discovery of Morse’s achievements marks a significant moment in recognizing the contributions of Indigenous Australians in the military. Michael Bell, the Indigenous Liaison Officer at the War Memorial, expressed his excitement about this find, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the bravery and service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women.

Efforts are now being made to locate Captain Morse’s descendants, who may not be fully aware of their Tasmanian Aboriginal heritage. Aunty Brenda Hodge, a distant relative, is eager to connect with Morse’s family, hoping to uncover more about their lineage and the legacy of Captain Morse. Research continues to determine the number of Indigenous servicemen who received the Military Cross, with more than 2,900 Australians having been awarded this honor before the medal system was revamped in the 1970s.