How a Bendigo butcher became the first Indigenous Military Cross recipient

The story of Sidney Leonard Morse, a butcher from Bendigo, has emerged from historical obscurity, revealing him as Australia's first Indigenous recipient of the Military Cross in 1943. His wartime actions in New Guinea, particularly during the Battle of Mubo, earned him this distinguished military honor.

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To find that we have an Aboriginal man that's moved through the ranks, been recognised for his bravery and his service, it's a magnificent find.

Michael Bell, the Australian War Memorial's Indigenous Liaison Officer, described the discovery as "magnificent," highlighting the significance of recognizing an Aboriginal man who rose through the ranks and was honored for his bravery and service. The Military Cross, established in 1914, is awarded for gallantry.

Captain Morse's achievements might have remained unknown if not for a volunteer historian at the War Memorial who stumbled upon his story while compiling family trees. This chance discovery has brought to light the contributions of Indigenous servicemen and women.

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Sidney Leonard Morse's story came to light through that ongoing research of identifying and recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women.

Morse enlisted in the Army as a private in 1939 at the age of 20 and had attained the rank of captain by 1943. His citation for the Military Cross praised his "conduct and bold leadership," noting that he "was an inspiration to his men as he moved from section to section encouraging and directing the fire without regard to his personal safety."

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Captain Morse was an inspiration to his men as he moved from section to section encouraging and directing the fire without regard to his personal safety.

Research is ongoing to identify the full extent of Indigenous servicemen's involvement and recognition. War Memorial curator Shane Casey mentioned that while over 2,900 Military Crosses were awarded before the medal system changed in the 1970s, the exact number of Indigenous recipients is still being determined. The War Memorial has connected with Captain Morse's distant relatives in Tasmania, including Aunty Brenda Hodge, who expressed excitement and pride upon learning of her familial link to the decorated officer. She is now searching for any descendants of Captain Morse, who passed away in 1991 and was known as Bill.

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We really don't know how many Indigenous servicemen won the Military Cross.