Australian Greats! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Ernest

Sir Ernest Edward 'Weary' Dunlop was born on 12 July 1907 at Major's Plain, Victoria, the younger of two children. In 1910 his family moved to 'Summerlea', a farm near Stewarton, Victoria.

Answer: In a pharmacy

When he left school, Edward Dunlop began a pharmacy apprenticeship in Benalla, Victoria. He moved to Melbourne in 1927 and attended the Pharmacy College where he qualified as a Pharmacist in 1928. He earned a scholarship to Melbourne University to study medicine and in 1934 he qualified as a doctor.

Answer: Melbourne University

It was at Melbourne University that Edward Dunlop acquired his nickname 'Weary' - from Dunlop tyres! He graduated in 1934 with first class honours.

Answer: Captain

'Weary' Dunlop was an army cadet when attending school and had served as a part-timer in the armed forces until 1929. He re-enlisted in the army in the 2nd AIF and in 1939, with the rank of captain, he was sent to Jerusalem.

Answer: The Wallabies

'Weary' played with Australia's national rugby (union) team, The Wallabies, in 1932. He was also an acclaimed champion boxer.

Answer: Egypt

As a member of the Australian Army Medical Corps (6th Division) 'Weary' was promoted to the rank of major on 1 May 1940 and was appointed Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services of the Australian Corps/AIF in Gaza and Alexandria.

Answer: The War Diaries of Weary Dunlop

In 1943 'Weary' became a prisoner of war and was sent to work on the Burma-Thai railway. He saved wounded, sick and malnourished fellow prisoners, often putting his own life at risk, and as such, was inspirational to the Australian and allied prisoners of war alike! Throughout his captivity he kept a record in the form of diaries (written on almost anything he could find). 'The War Diaries of Weary Dunlop' was published in 1986.

Answer: Lieutenant Colonel

On 27 September 1945 'Weary' Dunlop rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He returned to Australia in October 1945 and after his demobilisation in 1946, his name was added to the Reserve List of Officers with the rank of honorary colonel.

Answer: Malaria

Malaria was recorded twice as often as any other disease suffered by the prisoners of war. Dysentry accounted for half of the sick and cholera and diptheria hardly rated at all. However, the recorded illnesses did not reflect the total number of diseases suffered by the prisoners as many worked whilst ill. Malaria was, to quote 'Weary' himself, almost universal!

Answer: 1976

'Weary' Dunlop received many honours and awards throughout his life, including; the Order of the British Empire (1947); Companion of the Order of Australia (1987), Knight Grand Cross, Order of St John of Jerusalem (1992), Knight Grand Cross (1st Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Royal Crown of Thailand (1993); Honorary Fellow of the Imperial College of London; Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh; Honorary Life Member of the RSL; and, Life Governor of the Royal Women's Hospital and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

In 1976 he was named Australian of the Year and in 1988 he was named one of '200 Great Australians'!