Lee Perren

Charlie McCarthy

Served in the Battalion from 1937 to May 1942, C Coy, 10 Platoon, 7 Section as Rifleman. My service number was Q39298. When I enlisted the OC was CAPT Madi Hoare.
All training was conducted within the Battalion majority at The House on the Hill. Weekend training, Coy level then was conducted at Gordonvale with Camps held at Parramatta Park Cairns and Mareeba. The two day route marches from Innisfail to Cairns stick in my mind.
In my early year (age 12) I had an interest morse code and received the training from Babinda Post
Master and also the Railway Station Master, Mr Burnett. I was informed that the Navy had a drastic
shortage of qualified personal in this field.
After consideration I transferred to the Navy on 11 May 1942 us Radio Telegraphist and was issued with a new service number B-V75. Was demobbed after the War in 1946 and remained on the reserve list till 1951

BJ Price Photos

My name is BJ Price. I'm privileged to be the webmaster of the 51st Bn FNQRA Website.
I was never much of a soldier, but I was one. To bear the title Digger in the Australian Army is to my mind, one of the greatest accolades any Australian could ask for. I joined the Battalion as a re-enlist in 1996 at the ripe old age of 35. 51FNQR held many attractions from my point of view, particularly as I was able to further my infantry skills by deploying operationally as a forward scout with the Swamprats (A Coy 3Pl).
I had previously served as an infantryman with QUR from 1981-86. My proudest achievement there was as number one of number one mortar. A position I held for several years prior to my discharge.
Throughout the 11 years of my service I retained the lofty rank of Private so my view of the Army has always been from the ground up, usually on my guts and looking down the sights of my rifle.
Please enjoy my Digger's pics.
1997-2000

Josie Naawi Photo

My name is Josephine Naawi (Josie). I enlisted as General Reserve in 1985 at 51st Battalion Cairns. My recruit course was at Townsville with trade course (Cook) at Trade Trg Centre Brisbane.
I am a sole parent with three girls and a son, they are now raising there own families.
I moved from Cairns to Yorke Island in 1992 thus transferred to C Coy where I am still serving as Coy Cook.
I qualified, Subj 4 CPL Cook (GRes) at the ADF School of Catering at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria in 1998.
Was part of the Torres Strait Islander Dance Group from the Bn in Corroboree 2000 that held in Sydney.
Still enjoy serving in the Battalion.