Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Bert joined the 2nd A.I.F. in June 1940, 2/43rd Army No. SX5506 and gave his occupation as Farm Labourer. He worked around the Warooka district until the war. Reported for duty on the 17th of June 1940. Trained in Woodside. Embarked at Pt Melbourne 29th of Dec, and sailed to the Middle East with a change of ships at sea, arriving on the 2nd of Feb 1941. . He was referred to as a Rat of Tobruk. Story that he had shot a plane out of the sky with an 'Elephant Gun'. Promoted briefly to Acting Cpl. Evacuated from active duty on 20th of Aug 1941 with Dessert Sores, Cellulitis on his left leg. Evacuated to 2nd AGH 29 Aug 1941.. Temporarily unfit for service with Eczema. Embarked Damietta for return to Australia 2nd Apr 1942. Disembarked 23 May 1942 SA. Recuperate in Wayville Showgrounds Hospital then some rehab time in Lady Galway Convalescent Home for Soldiers Henley Beach, November 1942. Suffered with Dermatitis, returned to his Unit 15 Dec 1942. I can remember him telling us he had a girlfriend in Cairo, they where always escorted by her brothers. He used to go to her parents home for meals.
Transferred from S.A. to Victoria to attend Cooks School. Appointed Grd 11 Cook. Embarked at Townsville on the "Katoomba" 21st Oct, arrived Pt Moresby 25th of Oct 1943. On sick list with Malaria and back to Townsville on 31st of Jan 1944. Evac to CCS, Evac to 2/6 A.G.H. 3/5/1944, Dis. 17/5/1944 to Unit. Evac 19/7/1944 to CCS with Conjunctivitis. (Mum says the eye was washed and bathed with a Boric Acid mix). Relinquished Gr 11 Cook at his own request 18th of Nov 1944. He was listed, charged A.W.O.L on numerous occasions over the years. Declared medically unfit with 1. Anxiety 2. Malaria, on the 26 March 1945. Transferred to SA 28 March 1945. Discharge 28 April 1945.