Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Captain Charles Grindell Hurrey “Mike”

(Adapted from transcript of the eulogy read at his funeral in April 1999) Provided by Judith Hurrey, wife of son Peter Hurrey

Second child born in Melbourne 23/12/1912 to Capt. James Steadman Hurrey (MiD, WWI 8th Battalion AIF, 1915-1917 returned, 1884-1965) and Vera Isobell Hurrey (nee Young).  Educated at Scotch College, Melbourne (father and uncles Herbert Grindell and Percival Toomey Hurrey also attended the school).

Prior to WW2 he was a member of the CMF and joined the Light Horse in Hamilton Victoria.  He married Dorothy Moodie in early 1914.  Their only son Peter was born in 1943.  Mick or as he is known at Caboolture, Mike, Mike was a very early enlistment in the AIF – witness his Regimental No. VX 249.

He was a Troop Leader in the 6 Divisional Cavalry.  After service in the Western Desert he was involved in the heavy fighting in Syria in 1941.  His tank was blown up on a mine and he was the only survivor of the crew.  Family accounts say he was literally blown out of the tank hatch which presumably saved his life.  He was badly wounded including serious injury to his hearing.

He was returned to Australia where he spent the remainder of the war in Command and Administrative appointments.

He enjoyed playing polo during his younger years with other local identities around Hamilton.

After the war, he returned to farming in the Western District of Victoria in 1946.  He subsequently purchased the “Kiama” property out of Hamilton.  His first wife Dorothy developed cancer and they moved to Geelong after selling “Kiama” so Dorothy could receive treatment.  Whilst in Geelong he purchased a 30 ft yacht named Faylene and became a member of the Geelong Yacht Club.

After Dorothy died Mike went to Queensland with his son Peter and Peter’s wife Judy where they all engaged in developing a cattle andLucerne growing property. 

Whilst at Rockingham he met and married his second wife Elsie and became a devoted step father to Francy and Richie and friend to Francy’s husband Terry and children Alana and Robbie.  After he married Elsie they went to live at Southport where Elsie died in 1982.  Whilst living on the Gold Coast he again enjoyed many hours on the water.

Mike eventually bought a caravan and boat and spent a number of years fishing the Queensland Coast from Cairns to Fraser Island.

 He was very proud of his two grandchildren, David who followed him into an army career and Richard who chose a rural interest.

All his family are indebted to the staff and nursing sisters at the RSL Caboolture for the kindness, care and consideration they have shown to Mike through the many years he has lived there and in his final illness, for the compassion and love they have shown.

In early 1969, Mike spend two years sailing around the islands of New Zealand, Samoa, and the Cook Islands in an ex Sydney-Hobart yacht names “Hi Hi Fo” which weighed 20 tonnes.

He was survived by sisters Meg and Barbara, both of whom live in Melbourne.

RSL record of service

13/10/1939:

Enlisted – Unit 1st Field Reconnaissance Regt. 2/AIF

21/12/1940:

Troop Leader 6th Div Cav to special duty under Command of Western Desert Force in Egypt.

28/6/1941:

Wounded in action – tank blown up by land mine after heavy fighting in Syria.  Only surviving crew member.

1942:

Was returned to Australia where he spent the remainder of the war in Command and Administration positions.