Ronald Stuart KIRKWOOD

Ronald served with 28th Militia Battalion from 22 Jul 1936 to 28 Apr 1939.

He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lance Corporal in Headquarters Group. He was promoted Corporal on 14 Sept 1942 and Sergeant on the 15 Sept 1942. At some point, he was posted to Headquarters, Sparrow Force. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942.

Ronald attended an Intelligence Course from 24 Apr to 20 May 1943.

After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Sergeant in Intelligence Section, Headquarters Group and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After further leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Sergeant in Intelligence Section, Headquarters Group. He left the unit on 29 Nov 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 16 Dec 1945. He was discharges on 22 Jan 1946.

Ronald was made a Life member of the Association in 1967.

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".