WEST, Bertram John
| Service Number: | TX3397 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 18 June 1940 |
| Last Rank: | Lance Sergeant |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/40th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Wynyard, Tasmania, Australia, 19 May 1915 |
| Home Town: | Wynyard, Waratah/Wynyard, Tasmania |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Labourer |
| Died: | Prisoner of War - Executed, Timor, 23 October 1942, aged 27 years |
| Cemetery: |
No known grave - "Known Unto God" |
| Memorials: | Adelaide River Northern Territory Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 18 Jun 1940: | Enlisted Private, TX3397 | |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Jun 1940: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Lance Sergeant, TX3397, 2nd/40th Infantry Battalion | |
| 23 Oct 1942: | Involvement AIF WW1, Lance Sergeant, TX3397, 2nd/40th Infantry Battalion |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Robert Kearney
Sergeant Bertram West was awarded the Commendation for Gallantry for actions while held in captivity, during his escape and subsequent recapture by the Imperial Japanese Army on Dutch Timor during the period 23 February until his execution on, or before, 23 October 1942. Sergeant West escaped in May 1942, and was believed to be making his way to the south coast of Dutch West Timor with Lieutenant Wilkins Fitzallen, intending to escape Timor by boat. Lieutenat Fitzallen was also awarded a Commendation for Gallantry. Both men had undertaken reconnaissance work while within the POW camp.- Defence Hounours and Awards
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