The Legacy of Douglas Grant: A Notable Aborigine in War and Peace

The versatile and gifted Douglas Grant was stereotyped in the media as the Black Digger with a Scottish accent. He was much more than that. Well educated by white parents who rescued him from an 1886 massacre in the frontier wars, Douglas became an engineering draftsman, wool classer, charismatic public speaker and storyteller. In the 1st AIF he fought bravely on the Western Front, was wounded and taken prisoner in the Battle of Bullecourt. Noting he was well-educated, the German authorities made him the inmate-in-charge of the large Half Crescent Prison Camp for Muslim and Hindu soldiers. He saved many lives by negotiating for ritual foods and medical supplies. Returning home, he went through hard times and adventures, but always maintained his great sense of humour about life. See more