Jack Alick Bond

Trooper Jack Alick Bond (c. 1872–1941) was a Yuin man from Krawarree, near Braidwood in New South Wales, and one of Australia’s earliest known Aboriginal servicemen. Before enlisting, he worked as a police tracker, a role reflecting his exceptional bush skills and deep knowledge of Country.

In 1900, Bond volunteered for the First Australian Horse and sailed to South Africa to fight in the Boer War, becoming one of few Aboriginal men to serve overseas at that time. He fought in several major campaigns, including Poplar Grove, Zand River and Diamond Hill, and received the Queen’s South Africa Medal from the Duke of Cornwall and York in 1901, this was a rare recognition for an Aboriginal soldier.

After returning to Australia, Bond lived in various parts of New South Wales, later settling at La Perouse. Despite the racial discrimination of his era, he maintained strong community ties and is remembered for his dignity, courage and service.
He died in 1941 after a tram accident on Anzac Parade and was buried in the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park. In 2021, his grave was formally memorialised, recognising his contribution to Australia’s military history.

Bond’s legacy continues through research uncovering letters from Aboriginal soldiers. As Uncle Shane Charles said at the 2021 Memorial Ceremony “Jack Bond’s story reminds us that Aboriginal people have always stood up for this country, even when this country did not stand up for them.”