Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

John (William John McDermott) joined the army when he turned 18. He was initially in artillery but was advised to inform the army that he knew the morse code (which he learned in Boy's Scouts). With this information, the army moved John to the signals.

In Hobart, John was stationed for 12 months. No where to send them, no guns to give. Following this he went to Townsville on the duntroon. He pitched tents in the scrub waiting for the Japanese but the coral sea battle stopped that. John spent 6 months in Townsville as a signalman.

After six months in Townsville, John caught trucks to Camooweal in Mount Isa then cattle trucks by rail to Katherine, Darwin. Stationed ten miles south of Darwin just off the side of the road. John was a Corporal in Darwin and spent 18 months there.

As he was headed for Papua New Guinea (had to go via signals camp in Mornington, Melbourne to form new groups), John was on the road in Alice springs when he heard the end of the war had been declared.

They then wanted a force to occupy Japan and joined as a specialist group operating radio. John responded for auto telephone exchange and terminal for the radio. He was a Sergeant in Japan and was there for 18 months.

John was discharged at 24yrs old and quoted that he was lucky enough to leave the war without ever having to use his weapon.

John joined the army after the war and qualified for Captain. Left that to follow a career in the Postmaster General's Department.

John McDermott was a gentleman in all aspects of life and a well regarded member of the community. John passed May 4, 2021.