Ernest Roland BINGHAM

Ernest enlisted in the Australian Military Forces, (Reserve) on 23 Dec 1942, with service No W23290 and was posted to 16th Battalion. He enlisted in the AIF on 13 Jul 1942 and transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943.

He joined the unit as a Private at Canungra, Qld on 15 May 1943.  He embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 3 Sect, “A” Troop 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 Lance Corporal, once again in No 3 Sect, “A” Troop.

He was promoted Acting Corporal on 23 May 1945 and confirmed Corporal on 8 Aug 1945.

As seen in the photo he represented the unit in boxing.

Ernest transferred to "D" Company, 67th Infantry Battalion on 6 Dec 1945 and embarked for Morotai aboard Landing Ship Troops 416 on 10 Dec 1945. He retuned to Australia aboard "WINCHESTER VICTORY" on 13 Feb 1946 and was discharged on 20 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.