Joseph Reginald Layton
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 28 Nov 1920 |
| Place of Birth | Kelmscott, Western Australia |
| Occupation | Pugilist |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | 27 Douglas avenue, South Perth |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Harry Layton (RAAF) |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W20732 & WX30993 |
| Date of Enlistment | 3 Aug 1942 |
| Rank | Lance Sergeant |
| Unit/Formation | 'K' Australian Field Security Section |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 12 Jul 1944 |
| Transport Details | plane Townsville to Merauke, Dutch New guinea |
| Return to Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 7 Apr 1945 |
| Transport Details | plane Merauke to Brisbane |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Pacific Star War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
War Service
Enlisted in the CMF on 8 Mar 1941, and was posted to the 3rd Remount Squadron, employed as a rough rider. Joseph was called up for full time duty on 26 Oct 1941, and granted leave the next day until 8 Nov 1941. Admitted to the detachment of the 75th Australian Camp Hospital at Guildford the day he returned from leave, he was next transferred to the 110th Australian Base Hospital on 10 Nov 1941, and then to the 118th Australian General Hospital in Northam on 12 Nov 1941. Joseph rejoined his unit at Guildford on 19 Nov 1941. He was classified as a Trade Group III Rough Rider on 21 Jan 1942, and later the same day he was sent to the 3rd Australian Corps Physical & Recreational Training School in Subiaco. Promoted Acting Corporal on 26 Feb 1942, he was then sent for further training to the Southern Command Physical & Recreation Training School at Frankston, Victoria until 2 Apr 1942.
On 22 Apr 1942 he was transferred to Western Command Intelligence, and a week later detached to the Western Command Training School at Northam until 25 May 1942. On completion of the course he rejoined his unit on 27 May 1942, now known as K Section, 3rd Australian Corps Field Security Section. Accepted for transfer to the AIF on 19 Aug 1942, his rank of Corporal was confirmed. On 1 Oct 1943 Joseph and the rest of his unit entrained for Victoria where his unit was now known as 'K' Australian Field Security Section. Between 10 and 23 Jan 1944 he undertook the School of Military Intelligence Course in Southport, Queensland, passing but future employment limited by his level of prior education.
On 12 Jul 1944 Joseph emplaned in Townsville for Merauke on the south coast of Dutch New Guinea where he was detached to the HQ 11th Australian Infantry Brigade. On 31 Aug 1944 he sought treatment from the 105th Australian Light Field Ambulance for Appendicitis, returning to his unit on 28 Sep 1944. On 7 Apr 1945 he emplaned in Merauke for Brisbane to enjoy 24 days annual leave. Rather than return to New Guinea, on 7 Jun 1945 he was transferred to the 29th Australian Field Security Section in Queensland. Joseph was admitted to the 128th Australian General Hospital at Redbank in Brisbane for treatment for an unknown infection from 21 - 27 Aug 1945. Then on 4 Oct 1945, Joseph asked for his religion to be changed from Church of England to Roman Catholic following his marriage to Alma Eileen ?, Soon after, on 23 Oct 1945 he was appointed Lance Sergeant. Joseph was transferred to Queensland Line of Communication Leave & Transit Depot at Redbank in Queensland for discharge on 23 Jan 1946, and this occurred on 1 Feb 1946.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 at Keats street, Moorooka, Queensland, police constable; 1954 at Blomfield street Moorooka; 1958 at Seal lane, Margate.
Notes
Joe's NOK, his father was a serving member of the RAAF, employed as a Fitter at Geraldton.