Remembering a young fallen farmer from Cressy

During the Second World War, tyranny and destruction swept over continents, and the very foundations of our freedom stood in peril. In the face of such danger, communities across Tasmania didn’t hesitate. 

From the fishing docks of Strahan to the bustling streets of Hobart, men and women from every corner of the island stepped forward and answered the call when it mattered most. 

They asked for no recognition or reward, yet history will forever remember them as heroes. Among the brave souls who left Tasmania but never came home was Corporal Raymond "Ray" Summers.

Born on 25 April 1921, in Cressy, Ray was the cherished son of Leslie David and Daisy Winifred Summers. He grew up in a warm and loving household surrounded by his brothers and sisters. His early years in Cressy were filled with joy, laughter and the strong values that shaped his character.

Ray attended Cressy State School, where he was loved by both teachers and classmates. After completing his education, he embraced the life of a farmer, working the land with dedication and pride. 

Farming was more than a livelihood - it reflected his sense of responsibility and strength. His hard work and commitment brought admiration and respect from all who observed his daily labour.

When the Second World War spread across the globe, Ray felt a profound desire to defend the values he believed in and help rescue a world engulfed in chaos and devastation. 

Driven by this resolve, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 5 June 1941 in Launceston, Tasmania. 

He became a proud member of the 2nd/6th Infantry Battalion and underwent intense training that prepared him for the challenges ahead. 

Deployed to distant battlefields in the Pacific Theatre, he demonstrated remarkable courage and an outstanding determination, risking his life every day for a cause greater than himself.

Tragically, on 1 August 1943, Ray was confronting Japanese forces in New Guinea when he was fatally struck by enemy fire. He was only 22 years old, with so much life ahead and so much to give.

Back in Tasmania, the news of his death sent shockwaves through the entire community, leaving family, friends and neighbours heartbroken. The thought of never seeing his smile or hearing his voice again was unbearable to them. His mother, Daisy, passed away on 6 April 1955, and his father, Leslie, on 22 November 1979, each carrying the pain of his loss to their graves.

Ray now rests at Lae War Cemetery in Papua New Guinea, alongside fellow Commonwealth heroes who gave everything they had for everything we have. 

The cemetery stands as a solemn place to mourn, to reflect, and to honour those who fell thousands of miles away from home. 

His name is also inscribed on the Cressy War Memorial and the Longford War Memorial, serving as an eternal reminder of the resolve and fortitude he carried into every challenge.

It is our solemn duty to remember Corporal Raymond Summers and to honour a legacy carved through sacrifice, devotion, and courage. 

His story resonates with those of countless Tasmanian heroes who left their homes, families, and futures behind to help turn the tide of war in humanity’s darkest hours. 

Though many rest far from their beloved shores, their spirit remains woven into the fabric of Tasmania - and their memory will endure, as long as we choose to carry their story forward.