Frank Partridge VC Military Museum, Bowraville.

26 February 2025 / Story by Rosemary Black, Photos by Mick Tuck

Three MX-5s and one MG met on Saturday 22 February at the ‘Donut’ Port Macquarie and enjoyed a great run through the Pembroke rural countryside, through Telegraph Point, onto Kempsey and via the scenic Belmore River Right Bank Road that follows the Belmore river to Gladstone. Gladstone is a lovely village adjacent to the Macleay River where we met other members making a total of ten MX-5s and one MG. We all enjoyed morning tea in the garden of the Heritage Hotel. From there we took the road along the left bank of the river and via Stuarts Point Road and onto the Macksville.

A short drive took us to Bowraville where we visited the very interesting Frank Partridge, VC Military Museum. Frank was a local boy who was decorated for his actions on Bougainville was decorated for his actions on Bougainville in July 1945, when he attacked two Japanese bunkers despite severe wounds. Partridge was the last and at 20 years of age, the youngest Australian awarded the Victoria Cross in the Second World War. Interestingly our Chapter member Robert Partridge is a relative of Frank so he was able to relay some fascinating stories about Frank’s life.

From there we walked down to the Bowra Hotel and enjoyed a delicious lunch in the courtyard. We were lucky with the weather, as the rain held off. Lots of fun and some good corners and scenic drives enjoyed by everyone. Welcome to Cody our new member and Rob joined us from the Sydney Chapter.