Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The war started in 1939 and Jim signed up in Oct 1940, Army No. S33400 in the C.M.F.. His brothers teased him for not bring in the regular army, but his mother didn't want him to go, she already had two sons in the army. He was called up in March 1941 for basic training, with the Militia. (unkindly referred to as Chocolate Soldiers) Commenced full time duty in Jan 1942, 19th Battalion. Marched in to Darwin in Mar 42, from there to Victoria in Mar 43. Home for a months holiday, back to Victoria, and then to Queensland in June 43. Briefly transferred to 43 Aust.Inf.Batt. Embarked on the 'Katoomba" at Townsville 24th of Sept for Lae, New Guinea arriving on the 29th of Sep 1944. Wounded in Action nr Waitavalo ridge on the 6th of March 1945, Shrapnel injuries to right leg and right hand and left Corneal. (The soldier on his right took the brunt of the Hand grenade and was blown apart. May have been Pte RL Martin, Port Augusta 19th AIF) Evacuated to the 6th Field Ambulance by Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. Wounds given as multiple, small, side wounds to body and left eye. Transferred to 105 CCS. Rabaul. Transferred to the ANGAU 2/7th Army Hospital near Lae. 2nd of April wounds still given as multiple to right leg and arm. Jim also suffered with Malaria. Emplaned Lae 18th May to Townsville 19th of May 1945. Struck off the Sick list 6 Jun 1945. Back to S.A. in Sep 1945. On returning to Adelaide was Camped at Wigley Reserve Glenelg and was a Driver, (sometimes drove to Richmond to visit Betty, always in Uniform). Official discharge 11th of April 1946.
His mother kept a candle burning in the front room window while her boys were away. The girls at home had to tend the candle each evening. It went out once they say, when Jim was injured.
Later it was a joke that he had shrapnel in the bum. He had always told his mother if he was hit it would be in the bum, because he would be running away. Jim had the utmost respect for the Stretcher bearers "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels" they were called. Although they did drop him on the track and run into the forest when they heard a bang, must have come back for him. He also had great respect for the Salvation Army who were up the front and helping the soldiers.