Addition of names to the Roll of Honour

The Council of the Australian War Memorial yesterday unanimously approved the addition of two names to the Roll of Honour.

Lieutenant O.J.E. Harris MC enlisted in the AIF with the 7th Infantry Battalion in July 1915. He served at Gallipoli, France and Belgium where he was awarded the Military Cross in 1917.

Lieutenant Harris died in 1920, having returned to Australia. Although his death was accepted by the Victorian State Repatriation Board as war-related and occurred within the time frame required for inclusion on the Roll, this information was overlooked at the time. This long overdue recognition has now been rectified.

Private Dal Abbott was a national serviceman who volunteered for service in Vietnam. He was killed in action on 30 May 1968 while serving with 1RAR during actions around Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral.

Private Abbott’s name has not been placed on the Roll of Honour until now out of respect for family sensitivities.

The Chairman of the Council of the Australian War Memorial, Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (Ret’d), stated that "the sacrifice of Lieutenant Harris and Private Abbott for Australia will now be honoured at the Australian War Memorial."