Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of William Andrew Love Douglas Craig and Frances Amy Craig, of West Wyalong, New South Wales, Australia.

After a long period of waiting and great anxiety, especially since the capitulation of the Japanese, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Craig, of ' "Craigeilea," West Wyalong, on Friday evening last  received the following telegram from the Department of the Army:—
"It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that your son NX35521 Private Douglas Andrew Love Craig died of illness whilst prisoner of war in Ohama, Japan, and desire to  convey to you the profound sympathy of the Minister for the Army.''

Douglas was 24 years of age, and was born at Sea Lake, Victoria. He was only six years of age when he came with his parents to their property, "Craigielea,'" West Wyalong. He  and his brother, Vernon, attended the Mildil School for some years, and when each received the Qualifying Certificate, they enrolled as students as St. Patrick's College Goulburn.  They remained at St. Patrick's College for four years, both being outstanding in sport, especially in cricket, tennis and hockey. At the end of the 1938 term, they returned home to assist with the work of the farm.

When the war broke out late in 1939, Vernon enlisted with the first West Wyalong volunteers on 20th October, and entered Ingleburn Camp on 3rd November of the same year.  He sailed from Australia in January, 19th, fought through the first Libyan campaign, and went to Greece in March, 1941. He was captured by the Germans in April, 1941, was a prisoner of war until liberated on 16th May, 1945, and returned to Austrailia on 9th August last.

Douglas enlisted in June, 1940, when he reached the age of 18 years and sailed from Australia with the 2/19 Battalion in February, 1941. He took part in the fighting in Malaya in  January and February, 1942. He was with the AIF who were forced back to Singapore, and was made prisoner when Singapore fell. He worked on the construction of the Burma-Thailand railway for over 2 months. He was then returned to Singapore, and was later sent to Japan.

Altogether, his parents received four cards from him after he was taken prisoner, the latest being dated January 1944. No further news was received of him until some of his  mates returned to West Wyalong during the past three or four weeks.

Douglas, was a particular fine type of young Australian, possessing high character and a delight and lovable disposition, which won the high esteem and affectionate regard of all with whom he came in contact. The crucial news of his death has been received with profound regret, and much sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Craig, especially as their only two sons were prisoners of war for such a lengthy and trying period.