Commemorated at the Last Post Ceremony AWM 2021. As told by his brother, Brian Burrett, published in the Centaur Newsletter May 2001
William Eric (Bill) Burrett was born in Mudgee, NSW on 6 June 1922. He was the older of twins, and had two older sisters, Clare (Mrs J McKay of Melbourne) and Helen (Mrs H Vaughan of Tumut), and an older brother, Brian Edward.
Our mother passed away on 23 October 1924 when Bill was just two years old.
We children were placed with foster parents at Castle Hill, NSW and later at Goulburn, NSW. Bill commenced his education at a one-teacher school at Boxer’s Creek, five miles from Goulburn. Later he attended South Goulburn Public School. Bill and his brothers were moved to Harris Park, NSW where he attended South Parramatta School until he was 14.
After leaving school he was employed by G.J.Coles Ltd as a Trainee Salesman and during this time he studied Accountancy. Bill’s twin was injured in an accident in October 1939, and died two weeks later.
On 22 September 1942 Bill joined the AIF. He was stationed at Moss Vale, NSW with Transport Corps. He transferred to the Medical Corps in the 2nd Field Ambulance on 9 November 1942 and served on the Dutch Hospital ship “Oranje”. After a trip to the Middle East he was transferred to AHS “Centaur” on 16 March 1943.
Bill served on the “Centaur” on its first voyage to and from New Guinea. On her second voyage from Sydney the ship was sunk off Brisbane by enemy fire on 14 May 1943. Bill was amongst the 268 casualties.
My brother Bill was a happy person who loved life and lived it to the full. He played competition tennis and he also loved Ballroom Dancing. He was very popular with everyone who knew him during his short life of 20 years.
He is sadly missed.