James Winning Cunningham
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 9 Feb 1925 |
| Place of Birth | Mount Barker, Western Australia |
| Death | 6 Dec 2001, aged 76 |
| Place of Death | Leda, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 18 years, 6 months |
| Description |
5'9" (1.75m) tall ; 154lbs 69.853 kg ; medium complexion ; brown eyes ; dark brown hair ; scar left hip |
| Occupation | Dairy hand |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Address | "Blaweary" Oakland road, Byford, Western Australia (Group 54) |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr. Andrew Walker Cunningham |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 83693 |
| Date of Enlistment | 31 Aug 1943 |
| Rank | Leading Aircraftsman |
| Unit/Formation | No. 8 Transport and Movement Office RAAF |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Monument(s) | ANZAC Memorial Park (Byford) |
| Medals |
Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
Attended the Oakford State School to 6th Standard (1931 - 1938). Sought to enlist in the RAAF after his father was discharged from the Army, having run the family farm until then.
War Service
Enlisted as an Aircraftsman level 1, General Hand at the No. 4 RAAF Recruiting Centre in Perth on 31 Aug 1943. There he participated in the No 249 Recruit Drill Course from 23 October until 19 November at No. 4 Recruit Depot RAAF. His records are difficult to read, but it appears that during this time he spent some of it in Hospital and then in a convalescent depot. On 14 Dec 1943 he had advanced to join No. 4 Service Flying Training School RAAF in Geraldton where he was promoted leading Aircraftsman on 2 Mar 1944.
On 13 Jun 1944 James was posted to No. 4 Personnel Depot RAAF, and on 13 Jul 1944 to No. 3 Reserve Personnel Pool RAAF before being sent to the No. 8 Transport and Movement Office RAAF on 15 Jul 1944. After more than a year in this unit, on 22 Oct 1945 he was sent to No. 5 Personnel Depot RAAF for discharge which took place two days later on 24 Oct 1945.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 - 1954 at Rowley road, Armadale, dairy farm hand; 1958 Gold Gulley, Nannup, dairy farmer; 1968 at Pinjarra, herd recorder; 1972 at Adamson street, Mundijong, dairy farmer; 1977 - 1980 at Thomas road Byford, dairyman
Notes