WINCKEL, Verdun Henry
| Service Numbers: | Not yet discovered |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 15 April 1940 |
| Last Rank: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Adelaide, South Australia, 21 June 1916 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | garage & farm Labourer |
| Died: | Drowning, Port Neill, South Australia, 25 December 1945, aged 29 years |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | Port Neill and District Honour Roll |
World War 2 Service
| 15 Apr 1940: | Enlisted | |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Apr 1940: | Enlisted Adelaide | |
| Date unknown: | Involvement |
A Sad Story
Verdun was born 21st June 1916, the third son of Fred & May Winckel.He was a very good sportsman, playing football and cricket . Loved swimming & fishing.
He joined the RAAF on 15 April 1940 aged 24 years. His service number was 26275.
He served in the United Kingdom, France and Oregon, U.S.A. reaching the rank of Flight Sergeant
He was discharged on 4th December 1945.
He received the France & German Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939--1945 and Returned from Active Service Badge.
He returned home saying he was coming home to look after his mother.
On Christmas night, 1945, he and some friends went out fishing. A sudden squall arose & the dinghy overturned.
A strong swimmer, Verdun and his friend (Cooper--Petty.Officer. R.A.N) tried to assist Ron Rodda (18 years old) who could not swim , for about 1& half hours.
Winckel & Rodda drowned and Cooper & Fraser eventually made it to shore and raised the alarm.
Submitted 7 November 2014 by Patricia Young
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