John SERVANTE

John (Jack) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Corporal in Signals Section, Headquarters Group.

He was one of the main Signallers involved with making “Winnie the War Winner” and was Mentioned in Despatches, for Gallant and Distinguished Service, London Gazette, 25 May 1943 and in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, No 119-3 Jun 1943. These are the two Gazettes for the Timor Campaign.

After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. 

He was appointed Lance Sergeant on 24 Dec 1942 and Sergeant on 3 Apr 1943.

Jack transferred as an Instructor at 1st Commando Training Squadron on 12 Aug 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” as a Sergeant on 22 Nov 1943 and re-joined the unit on 28 Nov 1943 in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. 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 Sergeant in Signals Section, Headquarters Group.

Jack returned to Australia on 13 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 3 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 "S.W.Pacific".