IRVIN, Gordon William
| Service Number: | NX71922 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 25 March 1941, Paddington, NSW |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/2nd Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Gilgandra, NSW, 22 June 1920 |
| Home Town: | Gilgandra, Gilgandra, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Assistant Picture Theatre Operator |
| Died: | Killed in Action, New Guinea, 26 April 1945, aged 24 years |
| Cemetery: |
Lae War Cemetery GG D 14 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Gilgandra St Stephen's Presbyterian Church War Memorial Window, Gilgandra War Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Private, NX71922 | |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Mar 1941: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Private, NX71922, 2nd/2nd Infantry Battalion, Paddington, NSW |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of William and Frances Elizabeth Irvin, of Gilgandra, New South Wales.
HE DIED FOR HIS IDEALS, LOVE OF HOME AND COUNTRY
Genuine regret was expressed throughout the district last week end when it became known that Private Gordon William Irvin, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Irvin, of Gilgandra had been killed in action on April 26.
Word to this effect was received on Sunday and conveyed to the parents. Amongst the best known and most highly respected families in the district, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin and family have received many expressions of regret. The many public organisations these people have been connected with have shown their sympnathy in the lsos of such a fine lad.
Born in Gilgandra nearly 24 years ago (Gordon would have been 24 next month) the lad worked for a time on his father's farm close to town, and when 17 years of age went to work with Mr. F. Brook, from where he enlisted in 1941. He saw 14 months' service in the Middle East with the Second Signallers of the 6the Division, and when they returned in 1942 went straight to New Guinea after a fortnight's leave. He was amongst the Australians who made famous their offensive against the Japs on the Owen Stanley Ranges, giving the invaders their first indication of how good a fighter the Australians could be.
After many months in the jungle, Gordon contacted Malaria and was sent home on sick leave. The last occasion he spent his leave with his people was in June and for the past five months had been in close contact with the enemy in a remote part of the island. they only other local lad in his unit was Eric Wilson.
The deceased was a very popular lad amongst those who knew him and his passing at a time when the end of hostilities is in sight is a severe blow to one who had passed unscrateched through four years of active service. His eagerness to volunteer for the conflict was in keeping with the Irvin spririt for his father saw four years' service al but one day in the last war, whilst he also had three other brothers in that scrap. The Lucky Irvins they were called, and four enlisted and four returned. Until this tragic happening it was hoped that the good fortune would continue with this generation. However, the Great Ruler has willed otherwise and his parents are sure to receive consolation from the fact that their son has done his duty nobly and well.
His fiance, Miss Joyce Jarvis, who is attached to the AWAS, arrived in Gilgandra this week on special leave and is taying with the Irivin family.
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