Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Valroi Broughton Richmond is remembered by his family as a clever, practical and independent man whose wartime experiences never left him.

He was educated at Barker College in New South Wales before enlisting in the Second Australian Imperial Force on 1 July 1940. During the war, he served as a driver with the 8th Division Provost Company and was captured after the fall of Singapore in February 1942. He spent more than three and a half years as a prisoner of war, enduring deprivation and forced labour in Thailand and Malaya.

After the war, Valroi returned to Australia and entered the NSW Police Force, where he worked as a detective. He later tried his hand at real estate. Away from work, he loved fishing, boats and fossicking for gemstones. He was especially good with his hands, and is remembered as someone who could repair engines, build things and solve practical problems.

To his family, Valroi was a loving husband, brother and uncle. He was loyal and protective, but also direct and plain-speaking. He had little patience for foolishness, pretence or overbearing authority. Those close to him understood that the war had marked him deeply.

Valroi’s life was shaped by service, captivity, survival and family. He is remembered with pride as a capable, resilient man who came home from war and built a life of purpose.

On 1 July 1940, Valroi Broughton Richmond enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force. He served as a driver with the 8th Division Provost Company, which deployed to Malaya during the Second World War.

Following the fall of Singapore in February 1942, Valroi was captured by Japanese forces. For more than three and a half years, he endured captivity, deprivation and forced labour in Thailand and Malaya.

Liberated at the war’s end, Valroi returned to Australia in 1946. His service, suffering and survival remain an enduring part of his family’s wartime legacy.

We honour his courage, resilience and spirit.
Lest we forget.