James GALLAGHER

James enlisted on 16 Jan 1941 with Service No W 3438 using the name James Alfred William Gallagher and was posted to 7th Heavy Brigade Royal Australian Artillery as a Gunner. Without telling the authorities, he enlisted into the A.I.F. as James Gallagher on 29 Sept 1941 with Service No WX16771. This caught up with him in March 1944, when he admitted the offence with no repercussions. 

After training James was posted to 2/3rd Field Artillery Regiment on 22 Nov 1941. Was appointed Lance Bombardier 27 Jan 1942, transferred to 109th Anti Tank Regiment on 10 Mar 1942 and promoted Temporary Bombardier 17 Apr 1942. He was transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 30 Jan 1944.

After training , he embarked for New Guinea aboard "ARMISTON" on 20 Apr 1944 and joined the unit on New Guinea as a Signalman in Signals Sect, Headquarters Group 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 Trooper. He transferred to 4th Survey Battery on 29 Nov 1945 and embarked for Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 6 Dec 1945

He was discharged on 21 Jan 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".