LITHGOW, John Robert
| Service Number: | WX30180 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 13 July 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 16 Infantry Battalion AMF |
| Born: | Boulder, Western Australia, Australia, 17 April 1911 |
| Home Town: | Boulder, Kalgoorlie/Boulder, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Commerical Junior Certificate level |
| Occupation: | Clerk |
| Died: | Killed in Action, New Britain, Pacific Islands, 13 April 1945, aged 33 years |
| Cemetery: |
Rabaul (Bita Paka) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea (CWGC) Grave Reference, Location ~ Plot F. Row D. Grave 14. Personal Inscription ~ "HIS DUTY FEARLESSLY AND NOBLY DONE EVER REMEMBERED". |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Kings Park Western Australia State War Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Private, WX30180 | |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Jul 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, WX30180, 16 Infantry Battalion AMF |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Geoff Tilley
John Robert Lithgow was born on 17th April 1911 in Boulder Western Australia to parents John James Lithgow and Norah Gurry who were married in Boulder in 1911. He was the eldest of three siblings.
John attended the Boulder Primary School and Eastern Goldfields High School for his schooling. He was a keen sportsman playing football for the Moonta Turks and cricket for the Cornwell Dandies Cricket Club.
Playing his football on harsh gravel ovals, John was told if he didn’t finish the game with skin missing and bleeding, he wouldn’t get a game the following week.
He studied accountancy part time at the Eastern Goldfields Technical School whilst he worked as a clerk.
On completing his studies, he was promoted to accountant.
In February 1942 John enlisted into the Australian Citizens Military Forces (A.C.M.F.) in Kalgoorlie where he was attached to 16th Infantry Battalion. He was appointed Lance Corporal at Chidlow training camp in April 1942.
It was in July 1942 that John enlisted into the Australian Militia Force (A.M.F.), reverting back to the rank of private where he conducted garrison duties within Australia.
It was in November 1944 that John embarked for overseas service sailing to Jacquinot Bay, New Britain where the battalion remained until April 1945.
It was at this time the battalion moved to a location called Wide Bay to relieve the 6th brigade, positioned on the Gazelle Peninsula, continuing to conduct daily patrols into the surrounding jungle.
It was on the 11th April 1945 a platoon which included John was sent out to survey a landing point for barges at a location called Jammer Bay, as there had been recent enemy movements within the bay.
Continued patrols were sent out on 12-13th April from Jammer Bay when John’s platoon was ambushed by Japanese soldiers who had crept within the patrol’s perimeter.
John’s patrol fought the Japanese off, but sustained casualties with three men killed and thirteen wounded. It was during this action that John was killed.
Private John Robert Lithgow service number WX 30180 of 16th Infantry Battalion was killed in action at Wide Bay New Britain on the 13th April 1945. He was 33 years of age.
He is buried at Rabaul War Cemetery East New Britain Papua New Guinea and is remembered with honour.
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