Spinning the reels: Australians in Russia, 1919

Australians continued to serve after the Armistice that ended the First World War. The Russian civil war had drawn in British, French and other allied nations to bolster the White Russian forces, but the Bolsheviks had gained the upper hand.

In 1919 a small number of Australians in England volunteered to join the North Russia Relief Force which was sent to Archangel’sk to rescue other anti-Bolshevik forces. One of those volunteers was 18-year-old Private Norman Brooke, who was already a veteran of the fighting in France.

Brooke served with distinction in North Russia and was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry in action. He kept his service in Russia to himself and gave only one interview in 1984.

Despite their small numbers, Australians serving in Russia were highly decorated and two men were awarded the Victoria Cross; one of whom, Sergeant Samuel George Pearse, was killed while performing the action that resulted in his award.

To read Emma White’s article, purchase your copy of Wartime 105:

You can listen to Norman Brooke’s interview here: S00180