William George Law
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 6 Jun 1921 |
| Place of Birth | Armskirk, England |
| Death | 25 Dec 1989, aged 68 |
| Place of Death | Tungkillo, South Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 20 years 5 months |
| Description | ; blue eyes ; brown hair ; scar on left elbow |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr George Law |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W20698 & WX17714 |
| Date of Enlistment | 17 Jul 1941 |
| Rank | Signalman |
| Unit/Formation | 9th Australian Infantry Division Signals Company |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 26 Sep 1942 ‒ 8 Oct 1942 |
| Transport Details | P2 Fremantle to Port Tewfik |
| Return to Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 24 Jan 1943 ‒ 18 Feb 1843 |
| Transport Details | HMT Queen Mary Port Tewfik to Fremantle |
| 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
William's introduction to the Army was when he was enlisted in the CMF's 16th Australian Infantry Battalion (Cameron Highlanders Regiment) on 17 Jul 1941. He was sent to the Melville Camp for training, which was completed on 14 Oct 1941. On 19 Nov 1941 he enlisted in the 2nd AIF with a new number WX17714, and was posted to the 1st Training Battalion at Northam. During his training he was allocated to the reinforcements for the 2/16th Battalion. On 16 Jan 1942 he was admitted to the 38th Australian Camp Hospital with Influenza. On 3 Feb 1942 he was transferred to a Convalescent Home in York, and he returned to his unit on 17 Feb 1942. he was detached to Dalgite Force on 20 Feb 1942. On 28 Mar 1942 the unit's name was changed to 1st Special Battalion AIF (WA).
On 12 Aug 1942 William was allocated to the 2/32nd Australian Infantry Battalion. Following this he was embarked on 26 Sep 1942 aboard [[P2] as part of Convoy US16 for Port Tewfik in Egypt. He disembarked there on 8 Oct 1942. Soon after on 28 Oct 1942 he was admitted to the 2/6th Australian General Hospital with Tonsilitis. On 10 Nov 1942 he was discharged from the hospital to the 2/1st Australian Convalescent Depot, who in turn released him to his unit on 16 Nov 1942. He finally joined the 2/32nd Australian Infantry Battalion on 1 Mar 1943.
On 24 Jan 1943 the battalion boarded HMT Queen Mary in Port Tewfik for Fremantle where William disembarked on 18 Feb 1943 for leave before rejoining the battalion. On 16 May 1943 William was evacuated to 2/6th Australian General Hospital and later released to his unit on 23 May 1943.
The battalion embarked aboard USAT Charles P. Steinmetz in Cairns on 7 Aug 1943 and disembarked at Milne Bay on 10 Aug 1943. William had been granted proficiency pay on 1 Jul 1943. On 9 Nov 1943 William was transferred to the 24th Brigade Signals Section. On 23 Jan 1944 William embarked in Finschhafen aboard USAT Thomas Corwin for Townsville, disembarking there on 31 Jan 1944.
On 28 Nov 1944 William again changed units, this time to the 2/3rd Tank Attack Regiment's Signals Section. On 3 Apr 195 William embarked in Cairns aboard [[ ]], disembarking at Morotai on 17 Apr 1945. There on 21 Jun 1945 he boarded LST 129 for British North Borneo. On 31 Aug 1945 he was transferred to the 2/12th Australian Field Regiment' Signals Section. His proficiency pay was withdrawn on 2 Sep 1945 when he was gradedas a Group III Despatch rider. Transferred again on 7 Dec 1945, this time to the 9th Division Signals. On 7 Feb 1946 he embarkeed in Labaun on USAT Lake Charles Victory, dismbarking in Brisbane on 16 Feb 1946, having been posted on 2 Feb 1946 to Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot. He was then discharged on 9 Apr 1946.
Post War
Wife Madge and children Sue, Walter, Bonor, James, Richard, Robert, Christine, and Debra.
Notes