How a Bendigo butcher became the first Indigenous Military Cross recipient

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the image of an Indigenous person who has died.

The story of Sidney Leonard Morse had been lost to history — until now.

In 1943, the Devonport-born Bendigo butcher became Australia's first Indigenous recipient of the Military Cross.

"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,"

the Australian War Memorial's Indigenous Liaison Officer Michael Bell said.

The Military Cross was introduced in 1914 and awarded to officers for gallantry.

But Captain Morse's achievements would have remained hidden, were it not for a chance discovery by a volunteer historian at the War Memorial who was collating family trees.

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

Aged 20, he enlisted in the Army as a private in 1939, and by 1943 was serving as a captain.

The Military Cross was awarded for his efforts in New Guinea, including at the Battle of Mubo where he led his company against multiple attacks.

The citation commended the young man for his "conduct and bold leadership".

"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," the citation read.

Research reveals distant relatives

War Memorial curator Shane Casey said more than 2,900 Australians received a Military Cross before the medal system was overhauled in the 1970s.

"We really don't know how many Indigenous servicemen won the Military Cross," Mr Casey said.

"Research is still underway to determine just how many Indigenous servicemen there were and where they were embedded."

But research has led the War Memorial to Captain Morse's distant relatives in Tasmania.

For Aunty Brenda Hodge, discovering her familial connection to the accomplished officer came as a delight.

"I was excited and amazed and very proud," she said.

Aunty Brenda is now searching for more answers about Captain Morse, who died in 1991 and was known as Bill.

"Most of all I'm hoping that we can find some of his descendants and family members,"

she said.

"All we know is that they had two children … and six grandchildren.

"We do not know if Sidney's family are aware of their Tasmanian Aboriginal heritage, but as a distant relative, I would love to have contact with them and be available to assist them with any research if they wish."

Their extended family tree already includes almost 200 relatives who have served Australia across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Mr Bell said he was thrilled Captain Morse's name and military accomplishments were now known.

"It gives us a deeper breadth and understanding of the contributions and sacrifice and service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women,"

he said.