Anzac Day – age shall not weary our 100-year-old Jean
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
BY LERISSE SMITH
Few people can claim the remarkable life Major Jean Bird has led.
She has lived through World War Two, survived a near-fatal car crash, witnessed the moon landing and devoted an incredible 78 years to active and retired service with The Salvation Army.
And now this sprightly World War Two Returned Service Woman from Queensland has reached a new milestone – her 100th birthday!
But age? It’s just a number – and definitely no barrier for this powerhouse centenarian.
With Anzac Day tomorrow, Jean will lead both the dawn and early-morning Bundamba Dawn Parades by golf cart, pray at both services, recite The Ode, and join thousands of people commemorating the day.
“It is a special time for me,” reflects Jean, who served two years in the Australian Women’s Army Service as a clerk and now serves as Patron of the local Anzac Day Observance Committee.
“A time to remember lost family members and friends who served, and a time to give thanks. I feel very proud to be living in this country.”
The City of Ipswich recently honoured Jean on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two [which officially ended on 2 September 1945], with the esteemed guest delivering a moving speech reflecting on her family and faith.
“It is obviously special to have someone who served during World War Two able to tell us about her experience, about her family who also served,” says Major Kaelene Greenaway, Corps Officer at Bundamba, where Jean has attended for several years.
“The fact that she was a Salvationist throughout the entire experience is another layer that makes her all the more special. But there is so much more to Major Jean Bird. Jean became an officer at a young age and served as a single officer for more decades than many people will live on this earth.
“The result is an incredibly humble, simple, non-fuss faith that keeps the focus on the main thing. Jean doesn’t worry about peripheral issues. She gets herself to church on a regular basis. She doesn’t worry too much about what’s coming next. Her main concern seems to be loving and serving God. She does not shy away from an opportunity to serve God, but she also doesn’t make too big a deal about the part she plays in the Kingdom business. Her experience over the years has taught her that God is in control. And she can trust in him.”
Memorable month
With Anzac Day and her 100th birthday falling in the same month, April has been especially memorable for Jean.
And she wasn’t expecting the magnitude of her century celebration, with many family and friends turning up to mark the occasion. She even received letters of congratulations from many dignitaries, including King Charles and Queen Camilla.
“It was a really big surprise,” she says. “One thing that really stood out was that so many people had come from such long distances. They went to a lot of effort and expense to be there, which I thought was really wonderful.”
Jean received letters of congratulations from King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Queensland Governor Dr Jeanette Young.
Longevity, she insists, isn’t a mystery.
“My doctor tells me I’m too healthy!” she laughs. “I’m not on any medication of any kind, and she thinks I’m pretty good. I think it’s because the Lord has been with us, and with me throughout my career.”
But life hasn’t always been easy.
Surviving a serious car accident as a young woman left her with injuries including multiple fractures, plates in both arms, a compound knee injury, and a nail from hip to knee.
“The Lord was good and kept us alive,” she recalls. “I have no memory (of the accident), which is a better thing.”
World War Two service
Born in Wollongong (NSW) and raised in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Jean grew up in a family steeped in military service.
Her father served with the Australian Army in France during World War One, while her three brothers all volunteered for World War Two – with one paying the ultimate sacrifice on the Sandakan ‘Death March’ in Borneo.
Enlisting in Paddington (NSW) in 1944, she served two years in the Australian Women’s Army Service based at Victoria Barracks, Paddington, Sydney. Her role was a clerk, assisting with driving duties, guard duty, logistics/Q store and administrative tasks. Although she had hoped to join the transport unit, she knew her work mattered and enjoyed marching around the parade ground with the Army Band.
“In keeping the army going and the work we were involved with, we felt we were contributing something towards the Commonwealth and the Government in that way,” she says.
“Personally, serving in World War Two gave me some maturity and an understanding of things that needed to be brought to light.”
At the end of World War Two in the Pacific, the young servicewoman celebrated with thousands of others in Martin Place and Hyde Park in Sydney.
(From left) Jean attended a special service at Milford Grange to celebrate the 80th anniversary last Anzac Day. Here she is pictured with Doug Simmonds, aged 102; Jean at the Bundamba Honour Stone war memorial; Jean in her golf cart leading the Anzac Day Bundamba mid-morning parade last year.
Mother’s example
A key inspiration in her life was her mother, who left a lasting impression. Despite a difficult childhood marked by illness, hospitalisations, limited schooling, and hardship, her mother worked tirelessly for her family and community: “That example for me was something very rich, and it has stayed with me.”
After leaving active duty, her service took a spiritual turn. She became a Salvation Army officer, dedicating the next 40 years to serving in appointments throughout the former Australia Eastern Territory.
APPOINTMENT HISTORY: To read Jean’s list of appointments as an officer, click here
“It developed my character; it helped me in lots of different ways,” Jean reflects. “It has helped me make the right decisions and to do the right thing.”
Her joy in her work has been simple but profound.
“I think about the opportunity to proclaim the message [of the Gospel],” she explains. “To see people getting saved and seeing progress in various situations.”
Faith continues to anchor her daily life. Early-morning devotion time is all-important, as is reading the Bible, meditating on Scripture and letting it guide her daily decisions.
Now living at Riverview Gardens (Qld), Jean remains very active at her retirement home and at her church in Bundamba and has been known to many people in the congregation for years through her ministry as officer alongside her friend, Major Daphne White.
“Jean is a vital member of Bundamba Salvation Army. She still maintains her daily devotions, she practices gratitude, she smiles a lot,” says Kaelene, her corps officer. “These are things even more than her incredible age, that make her a priceless treasure.”
Jean’s community work also involves visiting local schools before Anzac Day and reciting The Ode at the Welsh Church Remembrance Sunday service, the Riverview Farm Chapel service, and the Milford Grange VP Day Service.
“When many places have to read about history from a book, we still have someone who was there. As a Salvationist, that extra value is just marvellous,” says senior soldier Brad Strong, who organised her 100th birthday with politicians and RSL Representatives in attendance.
“While she’s still carrying the torch for Anzac Day, she continues to witness, which is truly marvellous.”
Five Fun Facts with Jean!
A memorable world event over the past 100 years?
When man landed on the moon. It was amazing! They thanked the Lord for stepping on the moon. It was wonderful.
And your thoughts about Artemis II, NASA's historic 10-day crewed lunar flyby mission?
It was very interesting. You wonder what on earth they are going to find out next and what they are going to do next. It was fascinating to read about it and see it on television. You wonder how on earth they get up there and back safely!
What makes you tick?
I always try to get things done, and I like to make sure everything’s right.
Favourite hobby?
I like good detective stories, a variety. I like putting the puzzles of a story together – and see who comes out the winner!
So, you have turned the big 100 ... what do you look forward to in the future?
Just to try to live my life as Jesus would want me to live.
