Raymond Donoghue

Raymond Tasman Donoghue GC (10 December 1920 – 29 April 1960) was an Australian tram driver posthumously awarded the George Cross for the gallantry he displayed in Hobart, Tasmania.

Details are vague, but it seems Donoghue was captured by the Germans on 28 April 1941 and reported missing in action (MIA) on 8 June 1941.

In August of the same year he was reported as a prisoner of war (POW), being held in Stalag 18A, where he remained until 10 June 1945, being employed as a "pick and shovel labourer"[citation needed] until he was recovered and taken to the United Kingdom.

He stated that he was captured along with a colleague, TX631 PTE Leonard Leo Charles Bevis, who also enlisted at Battery Point.

"[citation needed] While it seems that Donoghue and his fellow POWs were not mistreated, their washing and sanitary facilities were very poor which would have contributed to his ailing health.

In George Cross Park in Canberra, there is a memorial which contains a plaque for each recipient, outlining the actions and events resulting in each award.

On 29 April 1960, Donoghue was the conductor of a tram, which collided with a truck, injuring the driver and damaging the brakes, during rush hour.

The coroner's report noted his "great fortitude in the face of imminent danger ... doing all in his power to save the lives of numerous passengers".