Desmond enlisted on 27 May 1940 and posted to 2/13th Army Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery on 15 Oct 1940. He was promoted Acting Bombardier on 24 Oct 1940 and Acting Lance Sergeant on 17 Jan 1941. He reverted to Gunner on 20 May 1941 and embarked for the Middle East aboard "HMT H.H." on 1 Sept 1941. He transferred to 2/1st Australian Medium Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, on 20 Nov 1941. He returned to Australia aboard "DURBAN CASTLE" on 17 Mar 1942.
After training at 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron he joined the unit on 15 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea as a Signalman in Signals Section, Headquarters Group aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943. The Signallers were dispersed throughout the unit in New Guinea and Des served with “B” Troop. He returned to Australia with the unit aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944.
Sadly he passed away on 20 Oct 1944 and is buried at GOULBURN GENERAL CEMETERY, Plot G. Row A. Grave 13.
He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.
Edited by Peter Epps
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