Ralph FINKELSTEIN

Ralph was a Middleweight Boxing Champion pre war 10 bouts, won 7 lost 2 draw 1. He enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserves) on 30 Sept 1941 with Service No W13537 and was posted to the Australian Army Service Corps.  He was an instructor in Western Command for Physical Training, Unarmed Combat and Small Arms during 1942. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 14 Sept 1942 and promoted Sergeant 3 Dec 1942.

He embarked for New Guinea on 19 May 1944, he reverted to Private at his own request on 8 Jul 1944 and transferred to the 2/2 same day, joining them at BULULO in New Guinea as a Trooper 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 in No 7 Sect, “C” Troop. He represented the unit in boxing matches in New Guinea and New Britain. Ralph transferred to 29/46th Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "VITO" on 16 Jan 1946. He was discharged on 20 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