- Author
- Zammitt, Alan
- Subjects
- Biographies and personal histories, Naval Intelligence, WWII operations
- Tags
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- September 1984 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
In 1944 Ruby was awarded the BEM for meritorious service as a Coastwatcher in the Solomons. In addition, she received the 1939/45 Star, the Pacific Star, the War Medal and the Australian Service Medal, the Returned From Active Service Badge and is a Life Member of the WRANS Association. However, because she held only an honorary rank, she received no payment for her work during the war.
The letters of appreciation, the photos and autographs from Admirals Nimitz, Halsey and Fitch and the recent invitation to Texas for the Grand Opening of the Admiral Nimitz Memorial mean more to Ruby than money.
Ruby returned to Sydney in 1947 with her husband when he became terminally ill. He arrived in Sydney just two weeks before his death. Ruby later married Frank Jones who passed away after spending eleven happy years together. Ruby is now known as Ruby Boye-Jones.
In recent years she had diabetic problems and as a result has had her left leg amputated below the knee. A hip operation followed a year later. At her age she could only have an epidural (regional anaesthesia) so was able to talk to the nurses and listen to the surgeons as the operations progressed. The doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and staff at St. George Hospital, Kogarah have all been a wonderful help to Ruby. At 90 she learnt to use an artificial leg. Ruby lives alone and looks after herself. She does the housecleaning, washing and some cooking herself. Kogarah Meals on Wheels bring an excellent dinner each day. To keep her mind active she reads, views TV and listens to the radio. Weekends mean car outings with Ken and Don. She is looking forward to reaching 100 in seven years time on 29 July 1991.
(Alan Zammit has known Ruby Boye-Jones all his life. Ruby and her family shared a house with the Zammit family for over a year from 1928 and they have been great friends ever since.)