Aussie Soldier Prisoners of War

Denny Neave lives in Sydney. His family's military history began with his Great Great Uncle Ted Hawkins who served in the Crimean war, the Boer War and WWI. His Great Grand Father, John Lingard Neave, served in the navy during WWI and Grand Father John Lingard Neave the second, served with the Militia in New Guinea. Denny’s father Colin Neave was a professional soldier who joined the Infantry Corps and served in almost all of the Royal Australian Regiments. He saw active service in Malaya and Vietnam before retiring as a Sergeant after 20 years service.

Growing up in a military environment and seeing the professionalism of his father was the driving inspiration for Denny to continue the long family history of military service. Denny enlisted in the Army Reserve Infantry Corps in 1989 and completed Officer Training QUR. He has served for over 25 years. Denny has authored three military titles and produced a Military History Documentry.

Craig Smith lives in Sydney and is a teacher by trade. His family’s military service began in Australia with Private James McManus in the NSW’s Corps in 1788 and Corporal James Frazer in Lieutenant Colonel Macquarie’s 73rd Foot in 1809. By design or circumstance, his grandfathers and father could not serve in WW1 and WW2. Craig’s mother, Dawn Smith, surprised her family and friends and enlisted with a view to serving in Malaya and Korea. Between1952-1954 she served with the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) and served in 101 Transport Company as a driver. Craig enlisted in the Army Reserve Infantry Corps in 1986, completed Officer Training at SUR and has served for over 25 years.