Francis Micheal DEVLIN

Francis enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserves) on 23 Dec 1941 and posted to 13 Australian Company, Australian Army Service Corps, 1st Australian Division on 9 Jul 1942 and transferred to the A.I.F. on 10 Jul 1942. He was posted to the Guerrilla Warfare School (Commando Training) at Foster, Victoria on 28 Sept 1942 and promoted Acting Corporal on 28 Dec 1942. Reverted to Private at his own request on 28 Jan 1943. After Commando training, Francis embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 17 Feb 1943 and joined the unit on 25 Jun 1943 at Shrapnel Valley, New Guinea, served as a Trooper in No 9 Section, “C” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944.

After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in No 7 Section, “C” Troop. He was Medevac to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 12 Apr 1944 and returned to New Guinea aboard "ORMISTON" on 6 Jul 1944, re-joining the unit on 8 Jul 1944.  He returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a paid Lance Corporal in No 7 Section, "C" Troop. He transferred out of the unit on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia on 4 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 9 Jun 1946.

He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp "S.W.Pacific".