James Robert STURLA

STURLA, James Robert

Service Numbers: 3832, 13563
Enlisted: 6 December 1916, Sydney, NSW
Last Rank: Chief Petty Officer
Last Unit: HMAS Sydney (II) - D48 WW2
Born: Sydney, NSW, 8 June 1900
Home Town: Stanmore, Marrickville, New South Wales
Schooling: Blackfriars Public School
Occupation: Horse Driver
Died: Killed in Action, Indian Ocean, 20 November 1941, aged 41 years
Cemetery: No known grave - "Known Unto God"
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Carnarvon HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Carnarvon Walk of Remembrance, Geraldton HMAS Sydney II Memorial
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World War 1 Service

6 Dec 1916: Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 3832, 1st Pioneer Battalion, Sydney, NSW
24 Jan 1917: Embarked Private, 3832, 1st Pioneer Battalion, HMAT Anchises, Sydney
24 Jan 1917: Involvement Private, 3832, 1st Pioneer Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '4' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Anchises embarkation_ship_number: A68 public_note: ''

World War 2 Service

16 Oct 1922: Enlisted Royal Australian Navy, Chief Petty Officer, 13563, HMAS Sydney (II) - D48 WW2, Sydney NSW
3 Sep 1939: Involvement 13563, HMAS Sydney (II) - D48 WW2

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Biography contributed by Faithe Jones

James was known in civil life as J.R.P. STURLA

Son of George Robert and Frances STURLA, 25 Durham Street, Stanmore, NSW

Husband of Lily Irene STURLA, Newtown, NSW

James enlisted in WWI on the first occasion in September 1915 when he was discharged by a relatives request - then being only 15 years and 9 months old.  He re-enlisted in June 1916, and on the 3rd occasion he enlisted under the assumed the Alias of James Robert EVANS on 5th December 1916.  He saw service in England and in France and Ypres, Somme, Bretonneux and served until the armistice was signed.

He also served in WW2 in the Royal Australian Navy aboard HMAS Sydney and was killed when the ship was sunk.  He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial UK.

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