WASHBOURNE, William Edward

WASHBOURNE, William Edward – A Southern Downs Veteran

CONFLICT : WWII
SERVICE NO : 425991
RANK : Warrant Officer
UNIT : 459th Squadron
ENLISTMENT DATE : 21/05/1942
AGE : 20
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT : Brisbane, Queensland
PLACE OF BIRTH : Warwick, Queensland
RELIGION : Presbyterian
OCCUPATION : Farm Labourer
DATE OF DEATH : 27/10/2004
PLACE OF BURIAL : Warwick, Queensland

MEMORIALS : Emu Vale Honour Roll

View Veteran’s Service File : WASHBOURNE, William Edward

NOTES : William Edward Washbourne was born on 19th December 1921 and his parents were Jack and Grace Washbourne of Emu Vale. William who was known as Bill, was the eldest of 3 boys and two girls. His education was obtained at the Emu Vale State School until he left at the age of thirteen to work on the family farm.

His brother David Jack Washbourne 434059 also enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War Two. Thankfully both brothers returned home to Emu Vale.

Bill married Clara [Clare] May Johnson who was a local Swanfels girl. They had six children, four boys and two girls. Bill spent his life working on the couples family farm where he grew crops such as corn, sorghum, wheat and navy beans. To help increase the family revenue, he also worked on bulldozers building dams in the Southern Downs district.

He was community focused and worked on many committees including the Presbyterian Church, Yangan Freemasons Lodge, Emu Vale School and Hall and he also served as the fire warden for the local rural fire brigade.

Read about Southern Downs Military History here.