Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

John (Jack) was the half Brother of my father David Eccles and was born 14/3/1922 in Salford, Lancashire.

Jack came out to Australia in 1939 at the age of 17 and went to work on a farm in the Callide Valley of Central Queensland (inland from Rockhampton) at a place called Thangool.

After World War II was declared, he enlisted with the Royal Australian Air Force and returned to England to defend his home land.

Jack became a Sergeant and was a rear gunner in a Wellington BK405 aircraft.

He was killed when a trainee pilot lost control of his plane and it crashed at Boylestone (3 miles from Church Broughton) in Derbyshire in the UK, killing all four on board.

Date of death 11 January 1943 - just prior to his 21st birthday (March).

David, idolised his Brother so much, that at the age of 17, he emigrated to Australia and went to work on the same farm that his brother had worked on at Thangool.

As a family, we have visited Thangool and visited the farm where both these brothers worked.

David is still alive (aged 91) and lives in Brisbane, Queensland. Their Sister Margaret is aged 96 and lives in the UK. Brother Norman is aged 88 and is still living in the UK.

Jack will always be remembered by his family.

Elaine (Eccles) Smith 08/2023