Difference between revisions of "Francis Malarkey"
From Our Contribution
| Line 80: | Line 80: | ||
The battalion undertook defensive duties along the Egyptian–Libyan border in early 1941 before taking part in the Syria–Lebanon campaign, fighting against Vichy French forces in June and July. At the conclusion of the campaign, the 2/16th remained in Lebanon, contributing to the Allied occupation force there. However, with Japan's entry into the war, they were to return to Australia, and on 29 Jan 1942 Francis boarded the [[SS Île de France]] which was a part of the Operation Pamphlet Convoy. On the way home records show that men were transhipped in Bombay. However an authoritive source "Across the Sea to War" by Peter Plowman describes the convoy as sailing well to the south of India to the Addu Atoll, the southernmost of the Maldive Islands, known as Port T, a secret port not known to the Japanese. It would have been here that Francis and his colleagues transferred on 11 Feb 1942 to the [[SS Kosciusko]] which disembarked in Adelaide on 25 Feb 1942. While on the "Kosciusko" Francis was on 3 Mar 1942 charged with Neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, for which he was awarded 4 days CB (extra duties). | The battalion undertook defensive duties along the Egyptian–Libyan border in early 1941 before taking part in the Syria–Lebanon campaign, fighting against Vichy French forces in June and July. At the conclusion of the campaign, the 2/16th remained in Lebanon, contributing to the Allied occupation force there. However, with Japan's entry into the war, they were to return to Australia, and on 29 Jan 1942 Francis boarded the [[SS Île de France]] which was a part of the Operation Pamphlet Convoy. On the way home records show that men were transhipped in Bombay. However an authoritive source "Across the Sea to War" by Peter Plowman describes the convoy as sailing well to the south of India to the Addu Atoll, the southernmost of the Maldive Islands, known as Port T, a secret port not known to the Japanese. It would have been here that Francis and his colleagues transferred on 11 Feb 1942 to the [[SS Kosciusko]] which disembarked in Adelaide on 25 Feb 1942. While on the "Kosciusko" Francis was on 3 Mar 1942 charged with Neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, for which he was awarded 4 days CB (extra duties). | ||
| − | Soon after arrival in South Australia, the battalion was sent to Queensland to prepare for a move to Papua New Guinea, and on 6 Aug 1942 they embarked on the | + | Soon after arrival in South Australia, the battalion was sent to Queensland to prepare for a move to Papua New Guinea, and on 6 Aug 1942 they embarked on the [[SS James Fenimore Cooper]] |
Revision as of 01:43, 6 April 2019
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 5 Nov 1913 |
| Place of Birth | Narrogin, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 27 years, 4 months |
| Occupation | Market gardener |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Address | PO Byford, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Henry William Malarkey |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | WX3211 |
| Date of Enlistment | 22 May 1940 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 2nd/16th Australian Infantry Battalion |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Africa Star Pacific Star Defence Medal War Medal 193-45 Australian Services Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
War Service
Enlisted 22 May 1940 and immediately identified for the 2nd/16th Battalion. Granted 8 days leave without pay, he was taken on strength on 30 May in Northam. From 24 Jun until 1 Jul 1940 he needed treatment at the Northam military hospital. In need of hospital from 21 - 29 Aug 1940 with influenza, before being granted sick leave at home from 3-11 Sep 1940. From 27 Sep until 4 Oct 1940 he was granted pre-embarkation leave, and on 25 Oct 1940 the battalion boarded HMT Aquitania for the Middle East where they disembarked in 25 Nov 1940.
The battalion undertook defensive duties along the Egyptian–Libyan border in early 1941 before taking part in the Syria–Lebanon campaign, fighting against Vichy French forces in June and July. At the conclusion of the campaign, the 2/16th remained in Lebanon, contributing to the Allied occupation force there. However, with Japan's entry into the war, they were to return to Australia, and on 29 Jan 1942 Francis boarded the SS Île de France which was a part of the Operation Pamphlet Convoy. On the way home records show that men were transhipped in Bombay. However an authoritive source "Across the Sea to War" by Peter Plowman describes the convoy as sailing well to the south of India to the Addu Atoll, the southernmost of the Maldive Islands, known as Port T, a secret port not known to the Japanese. It would have been here that Francis and his colleagues transferred on 11 Feb 1942 to the SS Kosciusko which disembarked in Adelaide on 25 Feb 1942. While on the "Kosciusko" Francis was on 3 Mar 1942 charged with Neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, for which he was awarded 4 days CB (extra duties).
Soon after arrival in South Australia, the battalion was sent to Queensland to prepare for a move to Papua New Guinea, and on 6 Aug 1942 they embarked on the SS James Fenimore Cooper
Discharged 19 Dec 1943==
Post War
Notes
External Links
[[Category:]][[Category:]] [[Category:]] [[Category:]] [[Category:]] [[Category:]]