FORDHAM, Owen Michael
| Service Number: | VX79252 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 21 May 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/12th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Richmond, Victoria, Australia , 10 March 1916 |
| Home Town: | Richmond (V), Yarra, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Clerk |
| Died: | Killed in Action, Papua, 18 January 1943, aged 26 years |
| Cemetery: |
Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea Section: A Plot: 8 Row: A Grave: 17 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Townsville 2/12th Battalion Roll of Honour |
World War 2 Service
| 12 May 1942: | Involvement Private, VX79252, 2nd/12th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 21 May 1942: | Enlisted Private, VX79252 | |
| 21 May 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Private, VX79252, 2nd/12th Infantry Battalion |
Owen Michael Fordham
Owen Michael Fordham was born on 10th March 1916 in Richmond, Melbourne. One of four children born to Frederick Isaac Fordham and Imelda Mary McCarthy, he had three siblings: Maurice, Sylvia and Edna.
Owen grew up in the Richmond district and worked as a clerk for the Contract Board in the Commonwealth Government. He enlisted in the Australian Army on 21st May 1942 at the age of 26.
He was placed in "A Company". The battalion attacked nearly every day and on some days several times. The 18th January 1943 was a particularly bad day, with the battalion losing, 12 killed and 21 wounded. Eight of those killed were Victorians, including Owen.
Owen was buried in Buma, Sanananda Road, but was later reburied at the Soputa War Cemetery.
Submitted 26 May 2018 by Joanne Duncan