A new set of Sir Ernest Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop’s war medals has been presented to his family after burglars stole a safe containing them and other memorabilia from their Melbourne home more than two years ago.
Sir Weary Dunlop was one of Australia’s most famous military surgeons who became a prisoner of war in 1942, and in post-war service continued to advocate for veterans.
The World War 2 hero was knighted in 1969, and named Australian of the Year in 1976.
Following an inquiry from the Dunlop family in 2023, Defence Honours and Awards worked with them to replace the stolen medals. During this extensive process it was discovered Sir Weary Dunlop qualified for several accolades that had never been formally awarded.
In a recent ceremony in Canberra, Deputy Surgeon General ADF and Head of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, Brigadier Isaac Seidl, presented Sir Weary Dunlop’s granddaughter, Dianna, with a set of miniature medals.
They included the Companion of the Order of Australia, the Knight Bachelor, the Order of St Michael and St George, and the Order of the British Empire.
Brigadier Seidl said he was proud to present the medals to Mrs Dunlop.
“It is an absolute honour to present these medals to the Dunlop family in recognition of Sir Ernest Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop’s extraordinary legacy of wartime service, advocacy and courage throughout his life,” Brigadier Seidl said.
“Sir Weary Dunlop’s incredible story is one that can bring inspiration to our current serving ADF health workforce. He demonstrated that you can lead with compassion and kindness even in times of great hardship.
“In the depths of adversity, through maltreatment, disease and death, his calm leadership gave his fellow prisoners of war something even the enemy couldn’t take away – hope.
“Sir Weary Dunlop had a saying that is as relevant today as it was during his service and later life; ‘I have a conviction that it’s only when you’re put at full stretch that you can realise your full potential’. When we reflect on that, we realise the importance of hard work, resilience and going the extra mile for those who depend on us.”
Brigadier Seidl also thanked the staff of the Directorate of Honours and Awards, not only for this work, but for their efforts every day in the recognition of personnel.
“The work of Defence Honours and Awards doesn’t go unnoticed. It ensures that our people are recognised and thanked for their service and achievements. This small team has great impact, and I’m delighted to have this opportunity to close that circle of gratitude.”
As part of the process to replace the medals, the directorate donated a set of full-sized medals to the Australian War Memorial on behalf of the Dunlop family.
