Pride of Australia: War veteran Alec Weaver's life the stuff of legend

ALEC Weaver’s amazing life is the stuff of legend. He began his military career in the Hitler Youth before going on to become a decorated major in the Australian armed forces and then a spy for ASIO.

Alec Weaver for Priide of Australia

ALEC Weaver’s amazing life is the stuff of legend.

The 92-year-old war veteran began his military career in the Hitler Youth before he went on to become a decorated major in the Australian armed forces and then a spy for ASIO.

Born and raised in Berlin, Mr Weaver was a teenager travelling in Australia when World War II broke out.

“I was taken to a recruiting centre by two mates and succeeded in joining the army despite my enemy status,” Mr Weaver said.

However, it wasn’t long before Mr Weaver’s German nationality was discovered.

“I was in New Guinea as a member of an infantry battalion when I was summoned before the commanding officer who confronted me with being an enemy alien and guilty of fraudulent enlistment,” he said.

“I was lucky, our adjutant was an eminent lawyer who got me out of my troubles.”

Naturalisation procedures were started and Mr Weaver was allowed to return to his platoon. A few months later his citizenship papers arrived.

Mr Weaver’s exemplary military career saw him serve not only in World War II, but also the Korean and Vietnam wars.

One of his most outstanding moments of gallantry occurred when serving as a lieutenant in the Third Battalion in Korea.

Shot in the left arm he continued to fight only to be shot in the right arm. He soldiered on, helping others through minefields to an Australian outpost.

Mr Weaver, who is fluent in German and Japanese, was picked up by ASIO after retiring from the army and worked as a spy for 15 years.

The father-of-four continues to serve the community and was until recently teaching Japanese on the Mornington Peninsula where he is something of a local legend.

These days he can often be found in the cafes in Mornington and Mount Martha sharing his pearls of wisdom.

Mr Weaver epitomises what it means to be an Australian and is a most deserving candidate for a Fair Go medal in the Pride of Australia Awards.

To nominate someone for a medal or meet more nominees, go to our Pride of Australia page.