1st Enlistment

N276061 Private
Reuben Allen Thorncraft
Sydney University Regiment
Citizens Military Forces

Rising Sun Badge

2nd Enlistment

NX135878 Bombardier
Reuben Allen Thorncraft
20th Aust Field Regiment RAA
2nd Aust Field Artillery,
Training Regiment
2nd Australian Imperial Force

This file last updated 12 September, 2023 14:09

3rd Enlistment

440153 Leading Aircraftsman
Reuben Allen Thorncraft
Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF Badge

Introduction

440153 AC Reuben Allen Thorncraft

On enlistment to RAAF

Reuben Allen Thorncraft was born on 18 May 1923 in EUGOWRA New South Wales and is known by his second name, Allen. His next of kin during his military service is his father, also Reuben Allen Thorncraft but as Allen Jr's health is excellent* and his service accident-free, there is no official correspondence between Defence and Allen Snr, merely a change of address.

* In later life he is profoundly deaf - unsurprisingly for an artilleryman in an era when there was no hearing protection whatsoever. And unfortunately for my wife, I spent 15 years in Infantry Battalions, again in an era that commenced with no hearing protection at all, and am as deaf as Allan

He enlists in the Armidale sub-unit of the Sydney University Regiment (SUR), a Citizens Military Forces (CMF) unit, while attending the Teachers College there and is assigned Army Number N276061. The 'N' prefix indicates that his enlistment was in NSW, and SUR has long been the "officer factory" of the NSW CMF and Active Army Reserve.

On qualifying and leaving Teachers College he is assigned to the 110th Australian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, an Artillery unit, with Army number NX135878.

At that time the Defence Act would not permit members of the CMF or CMF units to be employed outside Australia and the New Guinea protectorate. Becoming a member of the AIF means Allen can be transferred to a war zone.

Detached for training to the Eastern Command Training School (Artillery Wing), on completing the course he is transferred to the 20th Field Regiment, a Reserve Unit where he is quickly promoted to acting Bombardier (Bdr is the Artillery equivalent to Corporal) and attends and passes a course to qualify as a plotting officer.

A summary of the WW2 service of the 2nd/20th Field Regiment is being sought from the Artillery History Group, but there has been no acknowledgment or response from them.

Appointed as an acting Sergeant (Sgt) he reverts to acting Bdr and enlists in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 1 Nov 1942 and is transferred to the 2nd Australian Artillery Training Regiment.

Intent on joining the Royal Australian Air Force, he seeks discharge from the Army and reverts to the rank of Gunner but it seem to be an unnecessarily drawn out process and does not take immediate effect.

On 21 Sep 1943 he joins the RAAF as an air crew enlistee but there is no indication in his documentation as to what role he himself intended, or in which role the RAAF intended to employ him.

He is posted to the 2nd Initial Training School (ITS) followed by a posting to the Elementary Flying School on 6 Jan 1944. On 7 May 1944 he is posted to the Service Flying Training School and is then posted to the Personnel Depot at Bradfield Park on 21 July 1944. There is no record of courses attended and his actual role remains unclear.

Further postings include 6 Stores Depot, ITS again in Jan 1945, Airfield Defence Squadron (ADS) at Port Pirie In Mar 1945 and the 2nd Recruiting Centre in Sydney in May 1945.

In July 1945 Allen applies for discharge under the provisions of AFR 115(t) "At own request, being surplus to present personnel requirements" and his discharge from the services takes effect on 25 Jul 1945. By this time Australia's role in the Pacific is all but over, and the German surrender in Europe is a distant memory.

In preparing this military biography there was no record of enlistment or other events during his service in the Sydney University Regiment (SUR) and this service is only marked by his transfer to the Artillery. His record here commences with his Attestation form for service with the Army, which includes his medical history. and follows with the chronological occurences of his Army service.

The Army records all occurences in a (roughly) chronological record and this has been followed in transcribing and sometimes reordering events.

Allen's Attestation Form for the Air Force contains essentially the same information as the Army form, and those who seek to review it can examine the record of service attached as a download.

 

His RAAF service recorded here commences with a transcription of his Application for Air Crew, as this contains a full record of his education and sporting activity and is the only document to include that data. He applies for air crew, but the RAAF finds more value in a qualified teacher.

The RAAF personal record is a very large printed sheet divided into 29 parts where events of each nature are listed chronologically. This is transcribed in a manner which records in sequence the number and nature of each part of the sheet, together with the entries recorded on it.

Where a form is repesented, the responses are in bold and the questions in normal weight font on the basis that the answers are what readers are seeking. [My comments are square bracketed.]

See Allen's Army Service Record or RAAF Service Record.

This military biography was prepared for the Thorncraft family by Clive Mitchell-Taylor and last updated Nov 2022, while in July 23 file names and directories were standardised throughout the site.


Enlistment Details
Attestation Form Dated 18 Feb 1942

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES.


ATTESTATION FORM.

FOR SPECIAL FORCES RAISED FOR SERVICE IN AUSTRALIAN OR ABROAD


To be filled in for all Persons at the Place of Assembly when called out under Part III. or IV. of the Defence Act, or when voluntarily enlisted.


    Army Number..................N276061................NX135878....................

    Surname.................................THORNCRAFT......................Other Names...................REUBEN ALLEN.................................................

    Enlisted for war service at.............................................................................................................................................................. (Place)

    ...............................................................(State)................................................................................................................................(Date)


A

Questions to be put to persons called out or presenting themselves for voluntary enlistment*

1.

What is your name?

1.

Surname
Other Names

THORNCRAFT
Reuben Allen

2.

Where were you born?

2.

In or near the town of
in the state or country of

Eugowra
New South Wales

3.

Are you a natural born or a naturalized British Subject? If the latter, papers are to be produced.

3.

Natural born

4.

What is your age and date of birth?

4.

Age
Date of Birth

19 yrs
18 May 1923

5.

what is your trade or occupation?

5.

Student Teacher

6.

Are you married, single or widower?

6.

Single

7.

Give details of previous Military Service

7.

AMF No
Rank
Unit
OTHER MILITARY SERVICE

N276061
Pte
S.U.R
Dec '41 - March '42

8.

If now serving, give particulars.

8.

No
Rank
Unit

N276061
A/Bdr
20th Field Regiment

9.

Who is your actual next of kin? (Order of relationship.— wife, eldest son, eldest daughter, father, mother, eldest brother, eldest sister, eldest half-brother, eldest half-sister)

9.

Name
Address
Relationship

Reuben Allen Thorncraft Snr
2 Neale St, Katoomba
Father

10.

What is your permanent address?

10.

2 Neale St, Katoomba

11.

What is your religious denomination? (Answer optional.)

11.

Presbyterian

12.

Have you ever been convicted by a civil court?

12.

No

13.

Have you any of the following Educational Qualifications? If so, which?

1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Certificate for Entry to Secondary School
Intermediate
Leaving
Leaving Honours
Technical
University Degrees
Other Diplomas


Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No



I, .....................Allen Reuben Thorncraft [sic] .......................................................................................................do solemnly declare that the
above answers made by me to the above questions are true.

Witnessed by .......................[Illegible]....Lieut................................        .......................................A.R.Thorncraft.........................................
    (Signature of Attesting or Witnessing Officer)...........................                                             Signature

* The person will be warned that should he give false answers to any of these questions he will be liable to heavy penalties under the Defence Act.


B

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

I have made full and careful examination of the abovenamed person in accordance with the instructions contained in the Standing Orders for Australian Army Medical Services. In my opinion he is —

1.    Fit for Class One

2.    Temporarily unfit for Class I † ............................................................................................................................................................

3.    Fit for Class II.

4.    Temporarily unfit for Class II † ...........................................................................................................................................................

5.    Unfit for military service † ..................................................................................................................................................................


Signature of Examining Medical Officer .........................DJ Passmore...Capt........................................................................


 

C

OATH OF ENLISTMENT ‡

For persons voluntarily enlisted or called upon under Part III. or Part IV, of the Defence Act to serve in the Citizens Forces in time of war.   Not compulsory for serving members of the Forces or those allotted to the Citizen Forces under Part XII. of the Act, but unless in any case an objection is raised, the oath should be administered to them as part of the ceremony of attestation.

    I,.....................Allen Reuben Thorncraft ...............swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord, the King, in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia until the cessation of the present time of war or until sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed, or removed, and that I will resist His Majesty's enemies and cause his Majesty's peace to be kept and maintained, and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service faithfully discharge my duty according to law.

SO HELP ME GOD!

Signature of Person Enlisted................. A.R. Thorncraft.......................

Subscribed at ............................... In the field .............................. in the State of ........................... New South Wales ................

this ............................ First. ...................................... day of .......................................November .................................1942*
[However Service record commences earlier with SUR]

        Before me—

    Signature of Attesting Officer ................................ [Illegible] Lt ....................................................................................................

‡ Persons who object to take an oath may make an affirmation in accordance with the Third Schedule of the Defence Act. In such cases the above form will be amended acccordingly and initialled by the Attesting Officer.

* Note that the Service Record commences with transfer from the Sydney University Regiment, and this Attestation Form records enlistment into and allotment within the Australian Imperial Force.

"Teachers College Armidale" [Endorsed in pencil]


AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES

Medical History Sheet of (Army No) N/276061

Surname (in capitals)

THORNCRAFT

Christian Names

Reuben Allen

Age

18     years     5     months

Date of birth

8 May 1923

Birthplace

EUGOWRA N.S.W.

Occupation

Student

Religious Denomination

Presbyterian

Complexion

Fair

Colour of Hair

Fair

Colour of eyes

Hazel

Distinctive marks and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease

Scar on right thigh 1" [2.5cm]


 

TABLE 1

1.

Are you now suffering from any disease or disability?

No

2.

Have you ever suffered from any of the following illnesses?

(a)

Rheumatic Fever

No

(i)

Kidney Disease

No

(b)

Weak Heart or Heart Disease

No

(j)

Skin Disease

No

(c)

Tuberculosis or Consumption

No

(k)

Malaria

No

(d)

Spitting of blood

No

(l)

Dysentery

No

(e)

Pleurisy

No

(m)

Ulcer of the Stomach or indigestions

No

(f)

Asthma or Shortness of Breath

No

(n)

Piles

No

(g)

Venereal Disease or Stricture

No

(o)

Have you ever had any other serious illness?

No

(h)

Neurasthenia or Nervous Breakdown

No

3.

Have you had fits of any kind?

No

4.

Have you had discharge from either ear?

Yes

5.

Had you had a broken bone or been seriously injured?

No

6.

Have you been operated upon?
     If so, state nature and date.

No

7.

Has any member of your family suffered from Pleurisy, Tuberculosis, Diabetes, Stroke, Nervous Breakdown or Mental Trouble?

If so, give particulars (relation and when)

No

8.

Have you been rejected or deferred for Life Insurance

No

9.

Have you ever been rejected or discharged as unfit for service in any branch of His Majesty's Forces?
     If so, give date and reason.

No

10.

Have you been wounded, suffered from Shell Shock, or Gas Poisoning?
     If so give particulars.

No


† I declare that I have read the answers to the above questions and that to the best of my knowledge they are true.

Station . . . . . Armidale . . . . . . . .

Date . . . . . . 30 Oct 1941. . .         Signature of Recruit . . . . . . Allen Thorncraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


 

Examined on . . .

30 Oct 1941

VISION

at Armidale

Without glasses

With glasses

Height

5 feet 11 inches

[180cm]

Right   6/6

Right   -

Weight

166lb.

[75Kg]

Left   6/6

Left   -

Chest measurement

Expanded

38½inches [98cm]

-

Range of expansion

4½inches [11.5cm]

Urine

Clear

Vaccination Marks

Right No

Left No

Slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection
[No entry]

When vaccinated

[struck through]

Blood pressure

Systolic [No entry]

Diastolic [No entry]


 

Chronological Events
(Service and Casualty Form)

Date
Reported

Received
From

Event/Casualty

Medical     Other     Disciplinary

Date of
Occurence

Place of
Occurence

4 Dec 1941

C.O. S.U.R.

Marched in and taken on strength

4 Dec 1941

E.C.

23 Feb 1942

C.O. S.U.R.

Tfd to 110 Light A.A. Regt

[Light Anti-Aircraft units were equipped with quick-firing 40mm Bofors Anti-Tank Guns]

23 Feb 1942

E.C.

26 Feb 1942

110 L.A.A.

Marched in and taken on strength ex S.U.R. Regt [sic]

23 Feb 1942

E.C.

24 Mar 1942

110 L.A.A.

Det to E.C.T.S. (Arty Wing)

10 Mar 1942

E.C.

7 Apr 1942

110 L.A.A.

Rejd Unit ex E.C.T.S. (Arty Wing)

7 Apr 1942

E.C.

11 Apr 1942

110 L.A.A.

Tfd to 20 Fld Regt

11 Apr 1942

E.C.

12 Apr 1942

20 Fd Regt

Marched in & taken on Strength ex Lt A.A. Regt

11.Feb 1942

E.C.

11 Jun 1942

20 Fd Regt

Appointed A Bdr (W.E.)

11 Jun 1942

Speers Point
Lake Macquarie

5 Jul 1942

20 Fd Regt

Det to L.H.Q. School of Arty tfd to 'X' List
[Personnel attending course, sick or otherwise temporarily attached to another unit are rationed and quartered at those units and marked 'X' in the roll-book at their parent unit.]

5 Jul 1942

Speers Point

28 Sep 1942

20 Fd Regt

Rejd Unit ex L.H.Q. School of Arty, struck off 'X' List

27 Sep 1942

Speers Point

29 Sep 1942

20 Fd Regt

Change of Address of NOK

28 Sep 1942

Speers Point

21 Oct 1942

HQ NSW L/C

Qualified at No 20 Course for P.O.

28 Sep 1942

Holdsworthy [sic]

12 Nov 1942

20 Aust Field Regt

Appointed A/Sgt W.E.
[Note the addition of the title "Australian" or "Aust" introduced at this time to distinguish between Australian and U.S. units.]

11 Jun 1942

Speers Point

12 Nov 1942

20 Aust Fd Regt

Reverted to A/Bdr at own request

11 Sep 1942

Speers Pt

30 Dec 1942

20 Fd Regt

Qual at GHQ School of Arty Serial 20
[As above, Plotting Officer]

28 Sep 1942

Speers Pt

 

30 Dec 1942

20 Fd Regt

Qual at GHQ School of Arty Serial 20
[As above, Plotting Officer]

28 Sep 1942

Speers Pt

15 Nov 1942

20 Aust Fd Regt

Tfd to AIF & Allotted Army No NX135878
[Citizens Military Force members could not be posted outside Australia or New Guinea and the Army No distinction was the 'X' which indicated this no longer applied.]

1 Nov 1942

Speers Pt

20 Nov 1942

1 Fd Regt

Taken on strength ex 20 Aust Fld Regt

12 Nov 1942

Largs[N.S.W]

20 Nov 1942

1 Fld Regt

Tfd to 2 Aust Arty Trng Regt

12 Nov 1942

Largs

No entry

No entry

Discharged, Required for service with the Royal Australian Air Force

No entry

No entry

21 Sep 1943

DRO

Auth AA 6(o) 210448 15 Sep 43

20 Jun 1943

Sydney

9 Jul 1943

2 Aust Fld Arty Trg Regt

Still with Unit

22 Jun 1943

Greta

21 Aug 1943

2 Aust Fld Arty Trg Regt

Reverted to Gunner

17 Aug 1943

NSW L of C Area

'DISCHARGED' stamped on Service and Casualty Form

Discharge Proceedings from Army processed 20 Sep 1943

Signs undated receipt from Army in respect of Will.


 

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

APPLICATION FOR AIR CREW

Candidates who apply as Air Crew may be selected for training as Pilots, Observers
operator-Air Gunners for service in the Royal Australian Air Force at home or abroad.

Application form to be completed in candidates own handwriting.
When completed this form should be despatched to R.A.A.F. Recruiting Centre.

1.

Surname (Block Letters)

THORNCRAFT

2.

Christian Names (In Full)

Reuben Allen

3.

Private Address

2 Neale St. Katoomba.

3a.

Service Address     No.

Rank     Bdr.

Unit     2nd Aust Field Arty Tng Regt

4.

Date and Place of Birth

18 May 1923 Eugowra.

5.     Married or Single

Single

6.

Name, Relationship, and Address of Next of Kin

Reuben Allen Thorncraft     Father,     2 Neale St. Katoomba

7.

Are you a British Subject?

Yes

Of pure European Descent?

Yes

8.

State the Nationality of your Parents at their birth:-

Father     British

Mother     British

9.
(a) Give particulars opposite of the schools at which you were educated from the age of 12.

Names and Addresses of Schools
Public School Eugowra
Marist Brothers College Forbes
Armidale Teacher's College

From       To
1935       1938
1938       1940
1940       1941

(b) Have you sat for the Merit, Intrmeddiate or Junior Public Examination? If so give particulars opposite.

Name of examining body
Description of certificate
Date of examination
Was certificate obtained
Subjects passed in


Subjects failed in
Subjects (if any) in which a first-class pass was obtained

N.S.Wales Dept of Education
Intermediate Certificate
December 1937
Yes
Maths I   Maths II   English   History   Geography
Manual Work
Nil
English. A.

(c) Have you sat for any other educational examination? If so, give particulars

Name of examining body
Description of examination
Date of examination
Was examination passed
Paticulars of subjects passed in

N.S.Wales Dept of Education
Leaving Certificate
November 1939
Yes
Maths I   Maths II   English   History
Art (B's)   Geography HII

(d) Give Particulars (with dates) of further education undertaken since leaving school. Name and address of educational establishment or tutor should be stated, subject taken, and whether whole or part-time tuition.

N.S.Wales Dept. of Education.
Armidale Teachers College
Sep 1940. December 1941

10.

Present Occupation

Soldier

10a.

Present Employer

Department of Defence

State if member of Air Training Corps [Superimposed stamp]

No

If yes state Squadron

[Struck through]

11.

Are you prepared to serve for the duration of the war and for a period of up to 12 months thereafter?

Yes

12.

Have you had any flying experience?

No

If so, number of hours dual

[Struck through]

Solo

[Struck through]

Name of training organisation

[Struck through]

Do you hold a Pilot's Licence?

No

13.

Details of any Naval, Military or Air Force Service
[Stamp V.D.C. - PART OR FULL TIME]

Military Forces. Dec 41 Attended Arty officers School, Passed

14.

Attach particulars of any Experience you have had in the following:-

Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony
Engineering (electrical, mechanical, structural or civil)
Internal Combustion Engine
Fitting and Turning

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil

15.

Particulars of Sports and Games played.

Represented Teachers College in cricket, Football, Tennis, Swimming 1940-41

16.

Have you previously applied for an appointment in any Branch of the Royal Australian Air Force or Active Citizen Force? (If so, give particulars and date)

NOTE:- An incorrect answer to this question may disqualify a candidate.

No

17.

Physical particulars:

Height     5' 11½ [181.5cm]

Weight     14 stone [196lb or 89Kg]

Chest measurement:

Normal     [No entry]

Expanded     [No entry]

18.

Have you been previously medically examined for Air Force or Civil Flying?

No

19.

Have you ever been convicted by the Civil Power?

No

20.

CERTIFICATE

I hereby certify that the replies set out to the above questions are, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true and correct.

Date     [No entry]

[Signed] A. Thorncraft

 

21.

CERTIFICATE OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN

(To be signed if applicant is under the age of 21 years)

I am agreeable that my son/ward joins the Air Force for flying duties, for service at home or abroad.

Date     [No entry]

[Endorsed] Attached

22.

Applicant is requested to ATTACH to this form a copy of extract of birth entry or statutory declaration as to date of birth, particulars of Naturalisation (if practicable), copies of educational certificates and copies of references from at least two responsible persons who have known candidate for a considerable period.

[Stamp]
To be completed if applicant is already serving in the Military or Naval Forces.

I hereby certify that BDR THORNCRAFT R.A. subject to his passing all tests for admittance to the R.A.A.F. will be granted discharge from his present Unit [inserted]Discharge will be recommended.
[Signed C.L. Young, Lt Col, Commanding Officer]


 

PERSONAL RECORD OF SERVICE    AIRMEN

              1.      PERMANENT FORCE

     2.     CITIZEN FORCE

SER

ITEM

ENTRIES

3.

NO.

440153

4.

SURNAME

THORNCRAFT

5.

CHRISTIAN NAMES

Reuben Allen

6.

No.      [This serial duplicated on original form]

440153

7.

DATE OF BIRTH

18 May 1923

8.

SINGLE [Checked]
MARRIED
WIDOWER
DIVORCED

9.

NEXT OF KIN

Reuben Allen Thorncraft
Father
2 Neale St, KATOOMBA, NSW

10.

PERSON TO BE INFORMED OF CASUALTIES

Next of Kin

11.

RELIGION

Presbyterian

12.

NATIONALITY

British

13.

PREVIOUS TRADE & TRADE QUALIFICATIONS

Student

14.

ENLISTMENTS & RE-ENGAGEMENTS

Enlisted at No 2 REC CEN for duration of the war and a period of 12 months after on 21 Sep 1943.
Age in years 20.          Auth 2-RC POR 256/43

RE-ENGAGED for             years on     

RE-ENGAGED for             years on     

RE-ENGAGED for             years on     

15. PREV NAVAL, MILTARY OR AIR SERVICE

Unit

From

To

Rank on Disch

Sydney Univ Unit [sic]

20th Aust Fd Regt

2nd Aust Fd Arty Trg Reg

4 Dec 1941

Apr 1942

Nov 42

Apr 1940

Nov 1942

20 Sep 1943

Bdr

Bdr

Bdr

 

16.

DECORATIONS, MEDALS, MENTIONS, BADGES

Stamped "WAR MEDAL 1939-1945"
[Also entitled to Australian Service Medal 1939-1945 created post-war.]

17.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

NIL

18.

MUSTERINGS

Musterings

Date

Class'n for Pay

Authority

On enlistment Air Crew V

Re-mustered to Air Crew V PNBW

II (P)

II NB

II (N)

II NB

21 Sep 1943

29 Nov 1943

6 Feb 1944

14 Aug 1944

27 Jan 1945

1 Apr 1945

V

V

II

II

II

II

POR 256/43

21 PS 182/43

EFTS 20/44

6SD 37/44

2ITS 6/45

8AOS 27/45

19.

PROMOTIONS, RECLASSIFICATIONS, REDUCTIONS AND REVERSIONS

Description

Date

Authority

A.C. 2 ON ENLISTMENT

LAC

Sgt [pencilled, no other data]

21 Sep 1943

6 Feb 1944

POR 256/43

8 EFTS 20/44

20.

MOVEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Discharged from the RAAF under AFR 115 (N) At own request
Wef 25 Jul 1945 [Authority] 435/45

Signs receipt for Certificate of Service and Discharge on 14 Aug 1945

21.

POSTINGS

Posted To

Date

Authority

2 ITS Bradfield Park

8 EFTS Narrandera

5 SFTS

2 PD Bradfield Park

6 Stores Depot

2 ITS

3 ADS Port Pirie

2 Recruiting Centre Sydney

2 PD

21 Sep 1943

6 Jan 1944

7 May 1944

21 Jul 1944

13 Oct 1944

27 Jan 1945

4 Mar 1945

22 May 1945

23 Jul 1945

2ITS 126/43

8EFTS

5SFTS 2/44

2PD 722/44

6SD 52/44

2ITS 6/45

3ADS 27/45

2RC 91/45

2PD 438/45

22.

ATTACHMENTS

[No entries]

23.

CHARACTER AND TRADE PROFICIENCY

Rank

Character

Trade Classification

PROFICIENCY

A

B

C

Date

AC II

V.G.

Aircrew V

U/T

31 Dec 1943

24.

COURSES OF INSTRUCTION

Type of Course

From

To

Result

Authority

[No entries - seems odd given his early postings]

25.

EXAMINATIONS PASSED FOR PROMOTION

Rank Passed For

Subject

Date

Remarks

Authority

[No entries]

26.

PAY AND ALLOWANCES

[No entries]

27.

DEPENDANTS

Name in Full

Relationship

Date of Birth

Authority

[No entries]

28.

CASUALTIES, ADMISSIONS TO AND DISCHARGES FROM HOSPITAL

Nature of Casualty/Disability

Hospital

From

To

Authority

[No entries]

29.

CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS

Act or Regulation

Award or Sentence

Location

Date

Authority

[No entries]


20th Australian Field Regiment Artillery

I have been unable to identify any reference to the 20th Australian Field Regiment Artillery as a Militia/CMF unit during World War 2. Both the Australian War Memorial and the National Archives are silent on the issue other than to note that it existed.

Allen Thorncraft's Army Record gives Speers Point on Lake Macquarie, New South Wales near Newcastle as the location of the unit, but even this information has been of no assistance.

Fixed Artillery pieces were emplaced in the Newcastle Area, but as a Field Artillery unit, the 20th Regiment is by definition, mobile. I have lodged enquiries with historical groups and will provide whatever information comes to hand.

The 20th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery was raised in 2006 as the 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, responsible for providing artillery spotting and tactical reconnaisance. The regiment has deployed to East Timor, Solomon Island, Iraq and Afghanistan. It may have some information concerning its forebear.


 

Citizens Military Forces (CMF) Lapel Badge

CMF Badge

The Citizens Military Force badge was issued to those who were entitled from the latter part of World War 2 when members of the CMF, particularly the 11th Brigade were fighting on the Kokoda Trail [The place name gazetted by the Papua New Guinea Government], other locations in Papua New Guinea, Bougainville and the Pacific Island.


1939-1945 Star

1929-1945 Star

The 1939-45 Star is awarded for service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945 for:

  • a period of six months (180 days) operational service for RAN and Army personnel and RAAF non-air crew personnel;
  • a period of two months operational service for air crew personnel; and/or
  • a period of six months service at sea for Merchant Navy provided at least one voyage was made through one of the specified areas of active operations;

The 1939-45 Star is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel. See required evidence to support a claim.

Design

The six–pointed star is yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The 1939-45 Star’.

Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse.

Ribbon

The ribbon has three vertical stripes of dark blue, red and light blue. The dark blue stripe represents the Naval Forces and the Merchant Navy, the red stripe the Armies and the light blue stripe the Air Forces.

Clasps

The ‘BATTLE OF BRITAIN’ clasp was awarded to eligible air crew involved in the Battle of Britain.

The ‘BOMBER COMMAND’ clasp was introduced in 2012 and is awarded to eligible Bomber Command aircrew.

When the ribbon is worn alone the standard silver rosette ribbon emblem is worn to denote the award of a clasp. The silver rosette emblem is not supplied by the Directorate of Honours and Awards.


 

Australia Service Medal 1939-1945

Australia Service Medal 1939-1945

The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in 1949 to recognise the service of members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during World War II.

The medal was originally awarded to those who served at home or overseas for at least 18 months full-time service, or three years part-time service, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Members of the Australian Mercantile Marine must have served the qualifying time at sea.

In 1996 the qualifying time was reduced to 30 days full-time or 90 days part-time service. To be eligible for the medal a serviceman or woman must have been honourably discharged from the Australian Armed Forces.

Design

The medal is nickel silver with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has the Australian coat of arms, placed centrally, surrounded by the words ‘THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945’.

Ribbon

The ribbon has a wide khaki central stripe, flanked by two narrow red stripes, which are in turn flanked by two outer stripes, one of dark blue and the other of light blue. The khaki represents the Australian Army, and the red, dark blue and light blue represent the Merchant Navy, Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force respectively.

Attribution

The above information is from the Defence Honours site at http://www.defence.gov.au/Medals/Imperial/WWII/Australia-Service-Medal-1939-1945.asp, taken on 19 Jun 2019.