Gerald enlisted in Citizens Military Force (Reserves) on 23 Jul 1933 and was posted to 13th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers with Service No 246604. He transferred to 11th Battalion on 26 Feb 1940 and promoted to Sergeant on 2 Sept 1940. His Service No changed to W6810.
He transferred to the A.I.F. on 29 Apr 1941 and was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 12 May 1941. His promotion to Sergeant was confirmed on 8 Dec 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as the Platoon Sergeant, Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. The Sapper Section, which combined with members of the 1st Reinforcements and the former soldiers from the Koepang area and on 8 May 1942, a new Platoon, “D” Platoon, was formed, under the command of Lieutenant Turton and later under Lt Doig.
Gerald was commissioned in the field on 4 Jul 1942 as Acting Lieutenant and took command of the Sapper Section, After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942.
After leave and reorganization he embarked with the unit for New Guinea as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, Engineer Section, Headquarters Group aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 and at Bululo, he flew to Australia on 27 Jun 1944 to attend Land Headquarters School of Military Intelligence Course No 17 . He re-joined the unit on 14 Nov 1944.
He was Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette, 8 Mar 1945 and in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 15 Mar 1945.
After leave and further reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit, as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, Intelligence Section, Headquarters Group. He flew back to Australia on 18 Sept 1945 and was discharged on 15 Jul 1946.
He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.
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