Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Corporal Tom Elliott served in the Second AIF 2/3rd Battalion. The 2/3rd Battalion deployed to the Middle East in early 1940, seeing action in North Africa, Greece, Crete and Syria in 1941-42 before returning to Australia following Japan’s entry into the war, and was one of only two Australian infantry battalions to fight all the major Axis powers of the war: the Germans, Italians, Vichy French and Japanese.

In 1942-43, the battalion took part in fighting along the Kokoda Track before returning to Australia where it spent over a year training and being rebuilt. In December 1944, the 2/3rd returned to New Guinea to take part in the Aitape-Wewak campaign and remained there until the end of the war.

Following the end of hostilities, the battalion was disbanded in February 1946. For his war service, Tom was awarded the following seven medals (in order of precedence):

·       1939-45 Star

·       Africa Star

·       Pacific Star

·       Defence Medal

·       War Medal 1939-45

·       Australia Service Medal 1939-45

·       Greek War Medal

When he enlisted, he stated that his address was Ethel Street, Ungarie, NSW, and that his father, Thomas Francis Elliott, was living in Canowindra. His AIF service number was NX11799. According to his Army discharge certificate, Corporal Elliott served in the AIF between 16 November 1939 and 17 October 1945.

Known as ‘Mick’ to his comrades, he served in the Middle East from January 1940 to April 1942, in the Northern Territory (Adelaide River) for 14 months, then in New Guinea from April 1944 to April 1945. Specifically, he served in North Africa, Greece, Syria, Kokoda Track – Gona and Aitape-Wewak. His discharge certificate listed his address as Ethel Street, Ungarie.