Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Corporal Horace Raymond De Kam

Service No. SX39171 – Australian Army (A.A.C.C. & Signals)

Early Life and Enlistment

Horace Raymond De Kam was born on 5 November 1919 in Adelaide, South Australia, the son of Jacobus De Kam and Nellie May (née Ah Hee). Growing up in the Port Adelaide district, Horace was part of a large Dutch-Australian family known for their industrious nature and community spirit. Prior to enlisting, he worked as a manufacturing confectioner. His strong sense of duty and quiet resolve would later define his contribution to the Australian war effort.

Mobilisation and Early Training

De Kam enlisted in the Australian Military Forces on 25 July 1940 at Alberton, South Australia. He began his service with the 4th Military District Signals, training in communications and field support at Wayville and Largs Bay. He later transferred to the Australian Imperial Force on 19 June 1941, being posted to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. His skill and reliability earned him steady promotion to the rank of Corporal.

Active Wartime Service

During the Second World War, Corporal De Kam served across Australia and New Guinea, attached to the 19th Australian Lines of Communication Area Signals and the New Guinea Anti-Aircraft and Coastal Artillery Signals. He embarked from Australia on 3 September 1943, serving in the Pacific theatre until 15 August 1945. His duties included maintaining communications, logistical coordination, and administrative support — critical tasks that ensured operational effectiveness in the field.

His postings were marked by discipline and dependability, serving both in forward areas and support roles. He also assisted with the Australian Army Canteens Corps, demonstrating adaptability in challenging tropical conditions.

Discharge and Later Life

Corporal De Kam was discharged from the Army on 20 March 1946 from the South Australian Lines of Communication Area, having completed 1,646 days of service, including 658 days overseas. He returned to civilian life in Adelaide, resuming employment and family life. In 1940, he married Anna (Nina) Catherine De Kam, with whom he shared many decades of devotion. The couple raised their family in Adelaide and were loved deeply by their children and grandchildren.

In 1998, De Kam wrote to the Department of Defence regarding his wartime medals, explaining that illness at the time of his discharge had prevented him from collecting them. He was entitled to the 1939–45 Star, Pacific Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, and War Medal 1939–45. His letter remains a testament to his modesty and pride in service.

Legacy and Recognition

Horace Raymond De Kam passed away on 14 September 2016 at Klemzig, aged 96 years. He was buried beside his wife Anna (Nina) De Kam, who had died earlier that year, at Enfield Memorial Park, Pavilion Garden Lawn, Tree BB, Site 4. Their headstone reads: “Missed every day but always with us. Dearly loved by their children and grandchildren.” His quiet courage and service continue to be remembered by those who follow.

Sources

• National Archives of Australia, Series B883, Service Record: SX39171 – Horace Raymond De Kam

• Department of Defence Correspondence, 25 August 1998

• Enfield Memorial Park Cemetery Records

• South Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages Indexes

• Family research, De Kam Family Collection

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 23/10/2025