John enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserves) 28 Jan 1941 with service number W35271 and posted to 9th Anti Tank Regiment. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 29 Apr 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 6 Section, “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.
He transferred to 1st Commando Training Squadron as an Instructor on 6 May 1943. He was promoted Acting Corporal on 16 Jun 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 13 Feb 1944. He reverted to Trooper at his own request and re-joined the unit on 21 Feb 1944, as a Trooper in No 6 Section, “B” Troop
He flew to Australia on 31 Jul 1944 and transferred to "Z" Special Force on 24 Aug 1944. He attended 1st Australian Parachute Training Centre on 21 Dec 1944 and qualified on 24 Jan 1945. Promoted Acting Corporal on 26 Apr 1945 and departed for Service overseas on 2 Jul 1945 and was posted as missing, later confirmed POW on Timor. Confirmed Corporal on 12 Aug 1945.
He returned to Australia on 13 Oct 1945 and was discharged on 15 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
Edited by Peter Epps
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