MUMFORD, Walter
| Service Number: | VX19739 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 30 May 1940 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion |
| Born: | Heskey, Victoria, 21 August 1920 |
| Home Town: | Woodend, Macedon Ranges, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Farmer |
| Died: | Died of Illness (POW of Japan), Thailand, 16 October 1943, aged 23 years |
| Cemetery: |
Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, (Burma) A1 A 4 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 30 May 1940: | Enlisted Private, VX19739, Caulfield, Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| 30 May 1940: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, VX19739, 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion | |
| 16 Oct 1943: | Involvement Private, VX19739, 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion, Prisoners of War |
Help us honour Walter Mumford's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Vicki Owens
Son of Arthur George Mumford and Sarah Jane Minnie nee Lee of Hesket, Vic.
Survived by his parents Arthur and Sarah Mumford, brothers Arthur, Charles and Harry.
HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS KING AND COUNTRY
Survived by his parents Arthur and Sarah Mumford, brothers Arthur, Charles and Harry.
The following letter has been received from Pte. W. Mumford:—
“I am still in a P.O.W. camp near Moulmein, Burma. There are 20,000 prisoners, comprising Australian, English, Dutch and American. There are several camps of 2/3000 prisoners, who work at settled labour daily. We are quartered in plain huts. Climate is good. Our life is now easier with regards to food, medicine and clothes! The Japanese commander sincerely endeavours to treat prisoners kindly. Officers’ salary is based on salary of Japanese officers of the same rank, and every prisoner who performs labour or duty is given daily wages front 25 cents (minimum) to 45 cents, according to rank and work. Eleven cents is fivepence in our money. ' Canteens are established where we can buy some extia food and smokes. By courtesy of the Japanese commander, we conduct concerts in the camp, and a limited number go to a picture show afiout once per month. Love to all at home.” In a previous letter received by his parents at Hesket, Pte. Mumford stated that after being two years overseas he was taken from Syria back to Java, and from there to the P.O.W. camp at Moulmein, Burma. He wishes to be remembered to all old friends in Woodend and district. Many of his mates who left Australia at the same time are still with him.
Click images to start slideshow.