Blog | Kathryn Spurling

Stories & Research

History belongs to more than generals, governments and official reports. These are the people, events and questions Kathryn continues to investigate.

Private Harry Robertson and postcards home

Private Harry Robertson, official number 2226, was born in Oaks Estate, Queanbeyan, in 1896 the eldest of seven children to Edward and Elizabeth Robertson. He was educated at Queanbeyan Public School and was a member of the St Stephens Presbyterian Church. After a...

British Army Captain Lisa Jade Head

British Army Captain Lisa Jade Head told anyone within hearing distance that she had the ‘best job in the world’. Most of us would add ‘the most dangerous’. The 29-year-old had studied human biology at the University of Huddersfield which may have been either an odd...

Captain Elizabeth Godwin and Princess Charlotte.

Captain Elizabeth Helen Godwin, 28, was a British Army officer in the Household Cavalry. Born in Devon she came from a military family. At school she played field hockey, was an equestrian and a member of the Combined Cadet Force. ‘Lizzie’ was awarded a British Army...

THE STORY OF SQUADRON LEADER KEITH ‘BLUEY’ TRUSCOTT

Nov 14, 2025

Published in Wings Magazine THE PRICE OF BEING A HERO Only once did he end up in the frigid English Channel awaiting rescue. It is not known why his war service in England only came to 10 months. His promotion was rapid — a Pilot Officer in February 1941 and Acting...

MERLE HARE (nee STORRIE)

Jun 2, 2025

Merle Hare (nee Storrie) is an iconic figure in the ACT naval community. Remarkedly spry, she continues to live independently in the same villa she has called home for 25 years. Merle doesn’t use a stick but suggests she is slowing down. Merle Hare is 105 years of...