Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Robert James Thompson, known as Bob, was born 26 Sep 1920 at Goondiwindi, Qld, the son of David & Mary Thompson. On 17 Mar 1942, 21 year old Bob was working at Gunalda when he enlisted in the Australian Army.
His army records are not yet available on the NAA website but the WW11 nominal rolls tell us that when he was discharged he was a Sapper in the 2nd Australian Field Company R.A.E. (AIF). His records would also inform us why his name is on the Wooroolin Honour Board. I have learnt by writing these stories that a mention of Wooroolin must be in the persons Army records!
A plaque at Kennedy Highway, Rocky Creek Memorial Park commemorates those who served with this unit during World War Two. The company worked and trained on the Atherton Tablelands between 1943 and 1945 and served at Hollandia, Morotai and Tarakan.
During his service in the AIF Bob met and married Phyllis Murphy from Memerambi at the Atherton Tablelands on 18 Nov 1944. Photo taken on their wedding day courtesy their daughter Clare. Phyllis was serving at the 2/14 Australian General Hospital. She joined the Army Hospital service on 4 Sep 1943
The 2/14th Australian General Hospital arrived in Townsville from South Australia on 11 December 1942. It was initially located near the old Quarantine Station at Pallarenda. It was mostly comprised of tents. It was initially a 200 bed hospital and quickly doubled in size as during 1943 casualties began to come in regularly from hospital ships and aircraft bringing casualties from New Guinea and the islands. It was severely damaged when a cyclone struck Townsville in March 1944.
Phyllis was discharged on 16 Jan 1945 and Bob was discharged 21 Dec 1945, returning to Memerambi to live. They purchased Por 83v off Recreation Drive, Memerambi and their 4 children, Robert, Clare, Pauline and Brian attended Memerambi School.
I remember this family well as Bob & Phyllis were involved in the Wooroolin – Tingoora RSL and with the Wooroolin Highland Gathering & Sports Day. This is the first time I have found a couple both serving with a Military service during WW11.
Bob died in 2009 and Phyllis in 2014 and they are both buried at Taabinga Cemetery at Kingaroy.
Lest We Forget