GREEN William Colin
career soldier and public servant 1929-2003

Bill (Punchy) Green was born in Cunnamulla, Queensland in 1929, the eldest of a family of seven. His life during the depression was hard, his father died when he was nine and he was placed in a home for boys until he reached 14 years of age.

His first job was as a farmhand at Warwick; he later worked for Main Roads and Railways, even spending time cutting cane. In his early years he took up boxing and fought many bouts on the Darling Downs, and played Rugby League for Warwick.

He joined the Australian Regular Army in December 1950 and after recruit training in Brisbane was allocated to RAASC and posted to 101 Sup Dep Pl in Brisbane.   In 1954 he was posted to Japan as a Cpl Storeman, but changed trades into transport.  

He returned from Japan to Brisbane in 101 Tpt Pl, and then the following postings:  11 NS Trg Bn, back to 101 Tpt Pl as a sergeant, 5 Coy RAASC, N Comd Trade Trg Centre, and 3 Tpt Pl.   In 1965 he was posted to Australian Army Training Team Vietnam as WO2 Advisor, followed by postings to Jungle Training Centre Canungra, back to NCTTC, back to AATTV in Vietnam, 18 Coy RAASC in Brisbane, 44 Coy RAASC in Tasmania, and after transfer to RACT, 35 Water Tpt Sqn in Sydney.

His last posting was to 2 Tpt Sqn in Brisbane and from there he elected his discharge in December 1979. During his time in the army he played Rugby Union, including inter-service, A Grade in the Brisbane competition, and also represented Queensland.

After leaving the army he worked for the Queensland Government, first with Harbours and Marine and then the Education Department. He retired in 1990 and took up bowls at Ferny Grove Bowls Club.

He married Gloria in 1948 and they raised five daughters:  Jeanette, Judith, Karen, Pamela and Cindy.   Bill passed away on 17th May 2003 in Brisbane.