Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

FAIRLEY James MB BS

1916 - 1999

James Fairley was born on 18th May 1916, in Ballarat VIC. He was the son of James Fairley and Claudine, nee Dick.  His father was a bank manager. He was educated in Victoria and studied medicine at the University of Adelaide, graduating MB BS in 1941. He undertook his residency at the RAH in 1941.

Fairley initially joined the CMF, in 1938, as a lieutenant in 10 Bn, 4MD. He enlisted in the 2/AIF, as a medical officer, at the rank of captain, on 31st October 1941, and was posted to 105 AMH. This was followed by detachments to 6th FdAmb at Warradale, 18 Garrison Bn at Fort Largs and 6th Cav FdAmb, SA, until September 1942.   He was posted to 6th Lt FdAmb and sent to Townsville Queensland, for service in Port Moresby, PNG, in December 1942. However, it appears that this did not eventuate and he was appointed to 2/9th AGH, where he remained until 13th October 1943. Fairley married Dorothy Margaret Cowell on the 23rd February 1942, and his next of kin details were changed in his military records. She was the only daughter of Mrs FH Cowell and the late Mr FH Cowell of Medindie, SA. He was posted to 9th FdAmb, in October 1943 and then as RMO to 2/4th Aust Fd Regt Jungle Division (JD) on 1st December 1943 in PNG. He remained in PNG until his departure from Port Moresby and arrival back in Australia on 8th March 1944. Posted as RMO to 2/27th Inf Bn until September 1944, when he returned to 2/4th Aust Fd Regt JD.   He was admitted to 2/6th and 2/2nd AGH with malaria, in early 1945 and left Townsville for Morotai in June 1945.  He went on to Balikpapan until September 1945 until he was sent for service with MakForce until 14th January 1946 when he was returned to Adelaide. His appointment was terminated on 17th April 1946 and placed on the Reserve of Officers.

Following the war, Fairley became a member of the AMA and lived in Strathalbyn where he was noted to have won a B grade golf competition in 1950 (1 up). He was a member of the South Coast Legacy Group and, in 1983, received a certificate of appreciation for having organised the Strathalbyn Red Shield Appeal since its inception 15 years earlier. James Fairley died on 4th October 1999, and he and his wife Claudine are buried together at Strathalbyn Cemetery, SA.

Source

Blood, Sweat and Fears III: Medical Practitioners South Australia, who Served in World War 2. 

Swain, Jelly, Verco, Summers. Open Books Howden, Adelaide 2019. 

Uploaded by Annette Summers AO RFD