Gordon Ernest PENDERGRAST

Gordon enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) on 16 May 1938 with Service No 277309 and then W2229 and was posted as a Gunner to 3rd Field Brigade, Royal Australian Artillery. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 29 Apr 1941 and was as an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 3 Section, “A” Platoon.  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 aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Sapper in Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. He transferred to 2/6th Australian Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers on 28 Dec 1943 and returned to Australia aboard "ORIZABA" on 16 Feb 1944. He embarked for Morotai aboard Landing Ship Troops 935 on 23 May 1945 and then embarked for Borneo aboard "WESTRALIA" on 21 Jun 1945. He returned to Australia aboard "MORETON BAY" on 19 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 28 Jan 1946.

Gordon was made a Life Member of the Association in 1976.

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". He may also be entitled to a George VI Australian Efficiency Medal as he was CMF pre-war with continuous service to Dec 1945.