John enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserves) with Service No V43658 on 8 Sept 1939 and was posted to 57/60th Infantry Battalion. He was promoted Corporal on 15 Jul 1940 and Sergeant on 30 Jan 1941. He was called up for full time duty on 31 Jan 1941. He was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943, reverted to Private at his own request on 8 May 1943.
He joined the 2/2nd on 15 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 7 Section, “C” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he was appointed Paid Lance Corporal on 25 Jan 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Corporal in No 7 Section, “C” Troop. Whilst on New Britain he attended Course No 5, Flame Thrower School from 5 Jul to 9 Jul 1945.
He transferred to 29/46th Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945 and on admission to hospital, reverted to Pte on 8 Jan 1946.
He returned to Australia on 4 Feb 1946 and was discharged on 6 May 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
Edited by Peter Epps
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