<p>We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of Country, and we recognise and respect their continuing culture and contribution to the life of this city and this region.</p>

Find a flight

Transport

Find parking

Passenger guide

Eat & Shop

Relax & Explore

Corporate

Discover the personal stories of the ANZACs

Lieutenant Ralph Elsmere Claridge was born in Auburn, South Australia, in 1892 and raised in Adelaide after the early death of his mother. Educated at Prince Alfred College and later the School of Mines, he studied wool classing and helped establish a poultry farm with his father. He became engaged to Hilda Giles before enlisting in August 1914 with the 10th Battalion.

Claridge landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and was twice wounded during the campaign. After further service in Egypt and promotion through the ranks, he sailed to France with the 50th Battalion. Commissioned as an officer in 1917, he returned to the front in 1918. On 25 April 1918, while leading his men in a counter-attack at Villers-Bretonneux, he was killed by machine-gun fire, aged 25. With no known grave, he is commemorated on the Austrlaian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, and remembered for his leadership and devotion to duty.

1. Lieutenant Ralph Elsmere Claridge, 50th Battalion, AIF

Lieutenant Thomas Leonard Cadell was born in Goulburn, New South Wales, in 1896, the only child of John and Mary Cadell. Educated in Sydney, Maitland and Newcastle, he was a talented rugby player and an enthusiastic member of the senior cadets. Eager to serve, he enlisted at the outbreak of war, overstating his age to secure a commission, and sailed with the 3rd Battalion in October 1914.

Cadell landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and was soon wounded in the hand, yet chose to remain with his men. After recovering in Egypt, he returned to the front. On 21 June 1915 he was severely wounded near Lone Pine and died the following day aboard a hospital ship, aged just 18. He was buried at sea, and is remembered for his courage, leadership and promise.

2. Lieutenant Thomas Leonard Cadell, 3rd AIB

Major Cyril Herbert Dodson Lane was born in Bondi in 1888 and raised in Armidale after his father’s early death. Educated at The Armidale School, he showed an early commitment to service through the cadets, and later studied engineering in Sydney. A talented sportsman, he was a champion ice hockey player and among the first to represent Australia in the Goodall Cup. He co-founded a car importing venture and experimented with wireless broadcasting, while continuing his service in the Citizens Forces.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Lane enlisted immediately. After serving in German New Guinea, he joined the AIF and landed on Gallipoli in August 1915. Promoted to major at just 27, he was killed leading his men at Hill 60. With no known grave, he is commemorated at Lone Pine, and remembered for his courage, leadership, and sacrifice.

3. Major Cyril Herbert Dodson Lane, 18th AIB

Private Oliver James Cumberland and Private Joseph Hilton Cumberland were brothers from Scone, New South Wales, among the ten children of George and Sarah Cumberland. Orphaned before the war, they grew up close, with Oliver working as a stockman and Joe as a locomotive fireman. In 1914, Joe enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, and Oliver joined him at the last moment, determined that his younger brother would not go to war alone.

They landed on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and were both wounded during the early fighting. Joe died of his wounds in Alexandria, aged 21. Oliver recovered and returned to the front, but was killed in action at Lone Pine in August 1915, aged 25. Buried separately, their names stand side by side on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial, remembered for their devotion, courage and sacrifice.

4. Private Oliver James & Private Joseph Hilton Cumberland

Richard Martin enlisted in December 1914, just before turning 23. He was determined to serve, despite restrictions that barred Aboriginal Australians from the AIF. A Quandamooka man from North Stradbroke Island, he altered details of his birth and service history to gain acceptance. He was posted to the 15th Battalion, and joined the fighting on Gallipoli before transferring to the 47th Battalion on the Western Front.
Martin endured harsh conditions, was wounded multiple times, and saw heavy fighting at Pozières, Bullecourt and in Belgium. Though he had occasional disciplinary troubles, he repeatedly returned to duty. In March 1918, during fierce fighting near Dernancourt, he was killed in action. His grave was lost, and he is now commemorated at the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. He is also on the Australian War Memorial’s  Roll of Honour, remembered for his determination, resilience and sacrifice.

5. Private Richard Martin, 47th AIB, AIF

Alfred John Hearps was born on 6 March 1895 on Tommeginne Country at Forth in northern Tasmania, the eldest surviving child of Palawa man Alfred Hearps and his wife, Eva. In August 1914, he became the second Aboriginal Tasmanian to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force, joining the 12th Battalion as a sergeant.
Hearps landed on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and, after periods of illness and recovery, continued serving until the battalion was withdrawn. In 1916 he deployed to the Western Front and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. During fierce fighting at Mouquet Farm near Pozières in August 1916, he died of wounds aged just 21. Remembered by his family as “Uncle Jack,” his service has long been a source of pride. He is commemorated at Villers-Bretonneux and on the Roll of Honour.

6. Second Lieutenant Alfred John Hearps

Home

Anzac Stories

Canberra Airport features a stunning, modern terminal, thriving business precincts and daily international flights. Visit the website for more information or to plan your airport experience.