Albert Cecil Clarence Curtis
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 18 Jun 1894 |
| Place of Birth | Geelong, Victoria |
| Death | 25 Dec 1987, aged 93 |
| Place of Death | Westfield, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 52 years, 8 months |
| Occupation | timber worker |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Admiral road, Bedfordale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs Vida Curtis |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W26135 |
| Date of Enlistment | 21 Aug 1940 |
| Rank | Staff Sergeant |
| Unit/Formation | 10th Australian Garrison Battalion |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Medals |
1914-15 Star British War Medal Victory Medal War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre WW 2
Albert served as an inaugural member of the 11th Battalion (Private 959) from 17 Aug 1914 until 21 Aug 1916 including Gallipoli. During 1921 Albert had married Jean F Woodhall. However in 1925 he was living with Vida Isabel who died aged 71 on 30 Nov 1966 in Kelmscott.
Electoral Roll entries: 1925 at Jarrahdale, mill hand with Vida Isabel; 1936 - 1943 at Albany road, Bedfordale, timber worker.
WW 2 Service
On 21 Aug 1940 Albert enlisted in the 5th Australian Garrison Battalion. on 9 Sep 1940 he was posted to Harvey training camp and on 28 Jan 1941 he was transferred to the 11th Internment Camp Guard Company. On 22 Mar 1941 the unit was renamed to 'M' Australian Garrison Company (Internment Camp), at that time still located at Harvey, where on 22 Mar 1941 he was classified as a Storeman T.G. III. Promoted to Corporal on 14 Oct 1941 he enjoyed numerous 2 -3 day leave periods before 24 Jun 1942 when he was admitted to Harvey Hospital. Released back to duty on 3 Jul 1942, he was promoted Staff Sergeant on 31 Jul 1942.
With all internees being concentrated in the eastern states, the unit moved to Parkston near Kalgoorlie to guard teams of POWs who were working on the Trans Australia Railway. In Kalgoorlie, on 25 Sep 1942 Albert was again admitted to hospital until 2 October when he returned to his unit. His stay in Kalgoorlie was relatively brief before his unit was disbanded and he was sent back on 23 Dec 1942 to Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot for posting to a Perth based unit. On 7 Jan 1943 Albert was transferred to the 10th Australian Garrison Battalion on Rottnest Island. Soon after, on 17 Feb 1943 Albert was evacuated to the 110th Australian Base Hospital in Fremantle, returning to his unit on 3 Mar 1943. Still experiencing issues he spent from 19 - 28 Mar 1943 in the 39th Australian Camp Hospital on Rottnest. On 30 Jun 1943 he advised that his NOK's address was now 33 Duoro road, South Fremantle. Evacuated to the 110th Australian Base Hospital in Fremantle from 19 Jul - 5 Aug 1943 for treatment, this time for dermatitis, he was released to 60th Australian Camp Hospital at Claremont for further treatment (scabies) until 9 Aug 1943. When released he spent some time with Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot until 14 Dec 1943 when he rejoined his unit.
On 15 April 1944 Albert was again in need of medical attention, being admitted to the 39th Australian Camp Hospital for treatment of a sore knee. Transferred to the mainland on 1 Apr 1944 he was admitted to 110th Australian Base Hospital until 12 Apr 1944 when he returned to the 10th Australian Garrison Battalion. On 22 Apr 1944 he was detached to the 5th Australian Garrison Battalion where in May he was charged with being AWOL for 6 hours, earning a Reprimand and the loss of a day's pay. In July 1944 he was reclassified Medical Class 'D', and thus was sent to Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot on 24 Aug 1944 due to health problems (recurrent bronchitis, asthma and arthritis in his right knee), to prepare for a Medical Discharge which occurred on 8 Oct 1944.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 at Karragullen, mill manager; 1954 Smailes Mill Karragullen, mill worker; 1958 at Karragullen, mill manager; 1963 at 111 Bussell highway, Busselton, timber clerk; 1968 at 21 Sixth avenue, Kelmscott, retired; 1972 - 1980 at 9 Verrill way, Armadale, retired;
Notes
Albert's daughter Joyce Curtis served in the Australia Women's Army Service.