Francis Peter HEARLE

Francis (known as Peter in the unit) was a member of the Royal Australian Air Force before enlisting in the A.I.F. on 1 May 1941. He was posted to Signals Training Depot on the same day and appointed Acting Corporal on 19 May 1941, then Acting Sergeant on 21 Sept 1941. He was promoted Lieutenant on 4 Jan 1942 and posted as an Instructor (Signals) Guerrilla Warfare Centre on 18 May 1942.

He transferred to the 2/2nd at Larrimah, N.T. on 25 Nov 1942 and joined them as they came off Timor.

Francis embarked with the unit as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, Signals Sect, Headquarters Group for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 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 Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, Signals Sect, Headquarters Group.

He returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 16 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 9 Jan 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