MCDONNELL, Kevin Anthony
| Service Numbers: | V381122, 156184 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 9 March 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Leading Aircraftman |
| Last Unit: | Aircraft / Repair / Salvage Depots |
| Born: | Richmond, Victoria, 4 January 1924 |
| Home Town: | Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Skin stretcher |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 9 Mar 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Private, V381122 | |
|---|---|---|
| 29 Jun 1944: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman 2 (WW2), 156184, Melbourne, Victoria | |
| 29 Jun 1944: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 156184 | |
| 22 Nov 1946: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 156184, Aircraft / Repair / Salvage Depots |
The volunteer
As told to me, his nephew, after secrecy was lifted.
After enlistment Kevin was transferred to a RAAF unit in the old Exhibition Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, as a clerk assistant awaiting posting.
Papers crossed his desk allocating personnel to the 5MWU.
The RAAF MWU's were McArthur's ears intercepting Japanese radio communications to and between their various forces, and were top secret.
Wanting to see some action, despite having no wireless operator or translator skills,
he added his own name to the personnel list as a cook's assistant (perhaps with
the 'blind eye' of his sergeant).
5MWU were transported to the Phillippines on board Admiral Halsey's flagship. They were secluded in the officer's quarters, having no contact with the crew other than officers, as their mission was secret.
Details of his service are the the document section.
Submitted 12 August 2018 by Terence McMahon
Biography
Phillipine Liberation Medal
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