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...

RUBY BOYLE-JONES

May 30, 2025

Ruby Olive Boye, born in Sydney on 29 July in 1891 in Sydney, was the fifth of eight children. She worked in retail until her marriage on 25 October 1919 to Sydney Skov Boye. Ruby was described as a tall and imposing woman who radiated a natural dignity and a...

Another war in Broken Hill

Apr 8, 2025

There is another more uplifting story concerning war and Broken Hill. The initial incident was certainly sad, but the enduring relationship and international connection enriched the town and two families. The land surrounding Broken Hill is harsh. But there is also...