LUSCOMBE, John Henry
| Service Number: | 3794953 |
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| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Signalman |
| Last Unit: | 110 Signal Squadron |
| Born: | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia , 16 October 1947 |
| Home Town: | Essendon, Moonee Valley, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Essendon High school, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation: | Bank Manager |
| Memorials: |
Vietnam War Service
| 9 Jul 1969: | Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Signalman, 3794953, 110 Signal Squadron |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Adam Luscombe
John Henry Luscombe was born in Melbourne on 16 October 1947, part of a proud Australian family whose story has long been shaped by community, sport and military service.
Raised in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, John developed a love of sport from an early age. He was a talented footballer who played and trained with the Essendon Football Club Under 19s, progressing through local football pathways and Essendon High School. At school he played alongside Ken Fletcher and was coached by Barry Davis. He was also an accomplished swimmer, earning recognition as a national medallist.
Like many young Australians of his generation, John’s sporting ambitions were interrupted by National Service. Called up during the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the Australian Army and served as Signalman John Henry Luscombe, Service Number 3794953.
From 9 July 1969 until 25 June 1970, John served with 110 Signal Squadron in Vietnam. The role of the Signals Corps was critical to Australian operations, maintaining communications between headquarters, field units and patrols in challenging and often dangerous conditions. Their work ensured command, coordination and connection across the battlefield. (AWM , DVA, 2026)
John returned home after his service and, like many veterans, resumed civilian life carrying the experiences of war. Through the years, sport and community remained an important source of identity, friendship and belonging.
The Luscombe family’s service tradition spans generations. Earlier family member Private Sidney Thomas Luscombe was killed in action at Bullecourt in 1917 while serving with the AIF in the First World War. Today, that legacy continues through John’s grandson, who serves as an officer in the Royal Australian Navy.
John Henry Luscombe’s story reflects the experience of many Australian servicemen of the National Service era — young men whose lives were paused by duty, who answered the call to serve, and who returned to continue building family and community life.
His legacy is one of quiet service, resilience, family pride and enduring contribution.
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