Francis Patrick CUNNINGHAM

Francis enlisted on 15 Jan 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 4 Sect, “B” Platoon. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. 

After medical treatment and leave, he was transferred as an instructor to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 19 Apr 1943, then to 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 27 Apr 1943, then to 18th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 15 Jun 1943. He was appointed Paid Lance Corporal on 11 Sept 1943 and reverted to Private on 3 Nov 1943.

He embarked from Townsville for New Guinea aboard "CANBERRA" on 14 Jan 1944 and re-joined the unit as a Trooper in No 6 Sect, “B” Troop on 15 Nov 1943. 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 Trooper in No 6 Sect, “B” Troop. He transferred out of the unit on 8 Jan 1946 and returned to Australia aboard "SALAMAUA" on 18 Jan 1946.

He was discharged on 7 Feb 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