Ronald Arthur Grafham
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 29 Dec 1920 |
| Place of Birth | Perth, Western Australia |
| Death | 6 Jun 1998 |
| Place of Death | Armadale, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 20 years, 2 months |
| Description | 6'2" (1.88m) tall ; ; dark complexion ; hazel eyes ; dark hair ; scars on right shin and right shoulder |
| Occupation | labourer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs Avis Joyce Grafham |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W39545 & WX29144 |
| Date of Enlistment | 4 Aug 1942 |
| Rank | Driver |
| Unit/Formation | 138th Australian General Transport Company |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Medals |
War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
During 1941 Ron married Avis Jean McKenna. Avis died on 24 Oct 2017 in Armadale.
War Service
Ron was single when he enlisted in the CMF on a part time basis on 12 Nov 1941, with his father Arthur Charles Grafham then his NOK. His initial posting was to the 121st Reserve Motor Transport Company. On 17 Sep 1941 his address was c/- Gladiator Gold Mine, Laverton, and on 15 Dec 1941 he was called up for full time service. On 17 Jan 1942 Ron was detached for duty to the Special Mobile Force where on 25 Feb 1942 he was recognised as a Trade Group II Mechanic. On 4 Apr 1942 Ron was set to a Fitter's Course at Ascot, and the following day, 5 Apr 1942 he was charged with having been absent from a parade the previous day, for which he was fined £2 ($4). Ron returned to his parent unit on 1 Aug 1942 as the Special Mobile Force had been disbanded in July 1942, with Ron having been posted to the 139th Australian General Transport Company in his absence on 10 Jul 1942. On 4 Aug 1942, Ron enlisted in the 2nd AIF.
On 1 Apr 1944 Ron was charged with 'Neglect to the Prejudice of good order and Military Discipline' in that he had an unclean rifle. Fined 10/- ($1). On 18 May 1945 Ron was transferred to the 1st Australian Base Depot Personnel in NSW for reassignment, and the same day joined the 138th Australian General Transport Company, again in absentia. On 31 Jul 1945 he was transferred to the 1st Royal Australian Engineers Training Battalion Followed on 28 Sep 1945 when he was transferred to 68th Australian DCRE (Works). On 27 Nov 1945 Ron was transferred to the Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot for discharge which followed on 7 Dec 1945.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 Rowley road, Armadale, building trade; 1954 - 1980 at 35 John street, Armadale, carpenter.
Notes