Evelyn John Stedman SOUTHWELL

John as he was known in the 2/2nd, was at College when he joined Melbourne University Regiment with Service No V158897 on 7 Dec 1941. He transferred to the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) with Service No V158897 and was posted to 57/60th Infantry Battalion on 16 Feb 1942. He was promoted Corporal and appointed Lance Sergeant on 31 Mar 1942. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 3 Aug 1942 and reverted to Private at his own request on 26 Sept 1942.

He was posted to Guerrilla Warfare School, Victoria on 14 Oct 1942, transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion, Canungra, on 22 Dec 1942 and promoted Acting Corporal on 28 Dec 1942. He reverted to Private at his own request on 12 Mar 1943 and was posted to 2/3rd Australian Independent Company on 13 Mar 1943. He embarked with them for New Guinea aboard "DUNTROON" on 16 Jun 1943 and transferred to the 2/2nd as a Trooper in No 8 Section, “C” Troop on 25 Jun 1943.

He was accidently wounded, shrapnel both legs and back but remained on duty on 4 Nov 1943. He returned to Australia aboard "DUNTROON" for leave on 5 Jun 1944 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 9 Sept 1944 when the unit returned to Australia. 

He transferred to 1st Australian Training Centre, Royal Australian Engineers on 9 Apr 1945 and promoted Acting Corporal on 7 Jul 1945.

He was discharged on 18 Jan 1946.

He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.