Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Bio by Daniel Jones, "They Served" 

MacMILLAN, Lawrence Vincent. Late VX3711 Private, 2/5th Infantry Battalion.

Lawrence Vincent MacMillan (sometimes spelt McMillan), was born on the 7 February 1918 in Carlton, Victoria, to unknown parents. Newspaper clippings from his wedding note that he is the second son of Alexander MacMillan, a labourer, and Susan Merab MacMillan (nee Cox), however Alexander MacMillan died in 1907 and Susan would have been 45 when she gave birth. What is more likely, is that Lawrence was an illegitimate child of one of Alexander and Susan’s daughters. In any case, the other children of Susan and Alexander were (in order): Veronica, Merab, Reginald and Alexandra.
When war broke out, a 21 year old Lawrence was working as a secretary and living with his foster mother, a Mrs Ellen Fitzgerald of Footscray, Victoria. He enlisted on the 4 November 1939, claiming prior service with the 32nd Battalion AMF, the ‘Footscray Regiment’. A newly minted Private, MacMillan was sent to train at Puckapunyal, as a member of one of the fist drafts of recruits for the 2/5th Battalion. After basic training, the unit, and MacMillan, embarked overseas for Palestine in April 1940. After more training, during which MacMillan qualified from the Middle East School of Cookery in Sarafand in September 1940. Serving as a cook for the battalion, he was eventually transferred to the A.I.F. HQ, and later the AIF Kit Stores. Interestingly, he was promoted to Acting Corporal, but would later revert to a Private on his own request. Sent back to Australia in May 1942, he would marry Mona Isobel Smith, a 26 year old music teacher, on the 6 June 1942 at St. John’s Church, Essendon.
Newspaper articles proudly write about the event: “RECENT WEDDINGS, Macmillan – Smith.
A charming gown of magnolia satin was worn by Mona Isobel, only child of Mr and Mrs Thomas Smith, "Harcourt." Langtree Ave, Mildura, when her marriage to Lawrence Vincent Macmillan, AIF (returned) was celebrated at St John's Presbyterian Church, Essendon, on June 6. Padre W. F. Waters. RAAF, officiated at the ceremony, and the sweet bride was given away by her father. The bodice of her frock, which was cut on Grecian lines, with a long circular train, had long fitting sleeves with points over the hands, and a high neckline, from which hung three rows of pearls. The fine embroidered silk net veil (loaned by the bridegroom's sister, Mrs J Sullivan) was caught to her hair with a pleated tulle halo, and tiny sprigs of orange blossom previously worn by the bride's mother and grandmother. A sheaf of white gladioli and azaleas was carried. The bridesmaids, Misses Betty and Irene O'Brien, and flower girls, Betty and Edna Richards, were frocked alike in ivory spotted net boufferte frocks made over taffeta. The bridesmaids wore large crinoline picture hats, and the flower girls short tulle veils. All carried bouquets of white flowers. Mr Jack Stewart was best man, and Mr Reg Macmillan acted as groomsman. A reception was held at Ascot House, Ascot Vale, where the guests were received by the bride's mother, who was smartly attired in a mustard ensemble and hat to tone, with brown accessories, and a shoulder spray of orchids. She was assisted by Miss S. Macmillan, who wore a smart navy-blue ensemble, hat relieved with white accessories, and a spray of orchids. During the breakfast the usual toasts were honoured, and Mr Cecil Atkinson (the well-known Melbourne tenor, and a friend of the bride) sang "I'll Walk Beside You" and "For England." Many telegrams of congratulation were read.”
After his wedding, he would return to active service, serving at depots in Melbourne. Private Lawrence Vincent MacMillan was discharged on the 22 February 1943 due to “nervous instability and recurrent depression.” Unfortunately, like many wartime marriages, his does not seem to have lasted. It is unknown when he and his wife split, but Mona would remarry Arthur Laurie Paul in 1953.
Post war, Lawrence would live in Mildura, Sydney and Marrickville. He would apply for his campaign medals in 1959 while a resident of the Repatriation General Hospital in Concord, NSW.
Not much can be found out about his later life, except that in Melbourne on the 19 February 1980, Lawrence Vincent MacMillan, occupation unknown, died of a heart attack aged 62 years. His usual place of residence being given as 650 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, a building which used to be the Manchester Arms Hotel. It is unsure if family could be located, as the informant on his death certificate is listed as his friend. He was buried at Eltham Cemetery on the 11 March 1980, where he lies today in an unmarked grave. A death certificate was not issued until April 1980.