Membrey, Raymond Edward (Private, b.1897 - d.1989)

Black and white photocopy of a 15 page typed memoir written in 1987 by 3877 Private Raymond Edward Membrey, describing his early life and First World War service with 21 Battalion. A trombonist before the war, Membrey details his training, including references to his musical talent, the voyage to Europe, front line experiences on the Somme, being severely wounded at Mouquet Farm in 1916 and taken prisoner by the Germans. He includes a description of the brutal amputation of his arm and comments on conditions as a prisoner of war in the Gottingen camp in Germany. The concluding section chronicles his return to Australia as an exchange prisoner, his post-war life, and achievements in coming to terms with his disability.

• Memoir of Raymond Edward Membrey