by Kathryn Spurling | Jan 23, 2021 | Blogs - Kathryn Spurling
Invariably the history of war is presented from the perspective of campaigns, strategic and tactical delineations and, generals. The story of war, however, is about the people and the ongoing legacy suffered by families, communities, and the nation. They fell in...
by Kathryn Spurling | Jan 22, 2021 | Blogs - Kathryn Spurling
When I climbed into the bus it was near full. Onboard were the most amazing survivors – crew of the first HMAS Perth. I knew these men well by now after many interviews for my book Cruel Conflict: the triumphs and tragedies of HMAS Perth 1. I had delighted in their...
by Kathryn Spurling | Jan 20, 2021 | Blogs - Kathryn Spurling
My 2007 trip to Washington DC was for a Women’s Research Institute two-day conference organized admirably by Captain Lory Manning (USN Rtd). It wasn’t the first or last time Lory invited me to be a keynote speaker and it was always an honour, I was there in 1999 and...
by Kathryn Spurling | Jan 18, 2021 | Blogs - Kathryn Spurling
I first met Midshipman Megan Anne Pelly (RAN) during her final year at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Canberra in 1997. I was teaching history at the UNSW campus and doing research on women in the military. Megan offered to be interviewed for that...
by Kathryn Spurling | Jan 16, 2021 | Blogs - Kathryn Spurling
It was a journey which took me from the Sydney harbourside to a quiet and distant Dutch church ground. I stood and listened to John Skarrett. His front yard was small but what a magnificent view. A cruise ship, something which became rare in 2020, reversed carefully...
by Kathryn Spurling | Jan 13, 2021 | Blogs - Kathryn Spurling
The words from ‘I am Woman’ bounced around in my head. They had inspired me to stand up and have an opinion. Yes, I am one of the older generation, and yes, I had adolescent memories of being ignored because I was a girl. This might be hard to believe by later...
by Kathryn Spurling | Jan 12, 2021 | Blogs - Kathryn Spurling
The before, during and after photos from yesterday’s Naval Commemoration Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. I was representing the War Widows Association. With Pauline Gribble President of the WRANS/Naval Women Association and Amanda Howard, CO HMAS...
by Kathryn Spurling | Dec 13, 2020 | Blogs - Kathryn Spurling
Article from Canberra Times – September 30 2020 Among the many people mourning the death of Australian singer Helen Reddy on Wednesday was Canberra author and historian Dr Kathryn Spurling. Reddy, famous for the feminist anthem, I Am Woman, died on Tuesday in...
by Kathryn Spurling | Sep 27, 2011 | Blogs - Kathryn Spurling
The Government has announced women will be allowed into elite front-line military units if they pass stringent physical and psychological tests. Kathryn Spurling spoke on ABC Lateline Transcript of the interview ALI MOORE, PRESENTER: Women will be allowed into elite...
by Kathryn Spurling | Apr 13, 2011 | Blogs - Kathryn Spurling
ABC Four Corners Interview Mon 13 Jun 2011, 8:00pm Transcript of Interview KERRY O’BRIEN, PRESENTER: A former naval recruit recalls an experience in the Defence Force that she says has marred her life forever. Welcome to Four Corners. Back in 1970 Four Corners...
