Thomas Frederick MILDREN

Thomas was a member of the First Reinforcements that arrive at Dili, Timor, aboard M.V. “Koolama”, on 22 Jan 1942, prior to the Japanese landing. He joined the unit as a Private. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hides” on 16 Dec 1942.

He transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 15 May 1943 as an Instructor. 

He embarked for New Guinea aboard “CANBERRA” on 24 Sept 1943, as a Trooper and re-joined the unit on 18 Oct 1943. He left the unit and returned to Australia by air on 24 Aug 1944.

He embarked for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 27 Jul 1945 and joined 2/5th Infantry Battalion on 19 Jul 1945.

Thomas left New Guinea on 2 Feb 1946 and was discharged on 13 Mar 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".