James Robert McCormack
From Our Contribution
Personal Information | |
---|---|
Date of Birth | 6 Sep 1919 |
Place of Birth | Bunbury, Western Australia |
Death | 30 Aug 2003, aged 83 |
Place of Death | West Pinjarra, Western Australia |
Age at Enlistment | 20 years, 7 months |
Address | Armadale, Western Australia |
Next of Kin | Father , Mr Andrew McCormack |
Military Information | |
Reg Number | WX3518 |
Date of Enlistment | 20 May 1940 |
Rank | Private |
Unit/Formation | 2nd/3rd Australian Machine Gun Battalion |
Date of Return | 31 Jan 1942 ‒ 15 Feb 1942 |
Ship Returned On | SS Orcades Port Tewfik to Java via Colombo |
Fate | POW Captured Java 9 Mar 1942 |
Monument | https://www.powmemorialballarat.com.au/ Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Ballarat |
Medals |
1939-45 Star Africa Star Pacific Star Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
War Service
After completing training in Australia, in April 1941 the battalion embarked for the Middle East. In June/July 1941 it saw action against Vichy French forces during the Syria–Lebanon campaign, during which time the battalion was heavily involved in supporting various elements of the 7th Division.
Following Japan's entry into the war, the decision was made to transfer a large number of Australian troops from the Middle East to the Pacific region. In early 1942, as the Japanese advanced through the Netherlands East Indies, the majority of the battalion was captured during the Battle of Java.
As a POW was held in Thailand. Discharged 13 Dec 1945
Post War
Notes
Captured Java, spent time in Thailand POW West Aust 2 Nov 1942; POW West Aust 8 Jul 1943; The Argus, Saturday 22 September 1945, page 8
External Links
[[Category:]][[Category:]]