Service recognised: Worshipal Rob Layton (past deputy grand master) presents Harvey Bawden with a long service award for 80 years of service in the Freemasons.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Shepparton resident and World War II veteran Harvey Bawden received a long service award from the Masonic Lodge for his work with the Freemans across the Goulburn Valley region on Saturday, November 12.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Mr Bawden, 98, has been part of the Masonic Lodge for 80 years.
According to his daughter Sharman Stone, he joined the Pyramid Hill Lodge in 1942 when he was 18.
“The family is proud that he has reached such an age,” Dr Stone said.
Mr Bawden, a former RAAF member and one of the last surviving prisoners of war from World War II, provided service to the Freemasons throughout his life.
Rob Layton, a friend of Mr Bawden during his time as master of the Bendigo lodge during the 1950s, said Mr Bawden was a man of great service.
“He’s a man that believes everyone should be given a fair go,” Mr Layton said.
Mr Layton said Mr Bawden offered his services with Legacy with supporting widows during the aftermath of the war.
“He helped with Legacy in helping families of deceased servicemen, especially with widows who needed help during a tough time,” he said.
Mr Layton described Mr Bawden as a man of strict moral code in helping people.
He said Mr Bawden had a giving nature, giving up his time to assist the Anglican church community.
During the war, Mr Bawden flew Lancasters across the Western and Eastern fronts, including the battle of Dresden and Dortmund on March 24, 1945.
Mr Bawden was held by the Germans in the final weeks of the war.
“They were shot down on their 29th mission when few crews ever made it to 30,” Dr Stone said.
“Death rates were 50 per cent and only two crew survived the crash.
“One died in the plane and civilians killed the other four.”
A family affair: Attending the presentation were (from back left) Harvey Bawden’s granddaughter Georgia Von Guttner, daughters Sharman Stone and Vicki Bawden. They are pictured with (front) retired Worshipal Rob Layton and Mr Bawden.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Ms Stone said her father suffered a broken leg, which was not treated when he was a POW, but Mr Bawden pushed on with his life after the war, serving his community.
“He still supported his family as a wool grower until (he was) 70 years old, and Harvey is so lucky to be alive to this day,” Dr Stone said.
Dr Stone was proud of her father’s efforts during the war but also as a father and grandfather.
“We will always admire his stoicism and endurance and he can still make a great speech,” she said.
