Arthur Gordon Fielder
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 6 September 1915 |
| Place of Birth | Armadale, Western Australia |
| Death | 21 November 1990 |
| Place of Death | Rossmoyne, Westen Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 25 years, 5 months |
| Description | 5'6" (1.68m) tall ; ; fair complexion ; brown eyes ; fair hair ; mole on right forearm |
| Occupation | Nurseryman |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Harvey, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Charles Fielder |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W25421 & WX32926 |
| Date of Enlistment | 13 Mar 1941 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 2/32nd Australian Infantry Battalion |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 23 Apr 1945 ‒ 1 May 1945 |
| Transport Details | USS General J.H. McRae (AP - 149) Townsville to Morotai |
| Transfers | |
| Journey Dates | 4 Jun 1945 ‒ 10 Jun 1945 |
| Transport Details | LST 562 or LST 573 Morotai to Labuan |
| Return to Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 14 Jan 1946 ‒ 27 Jan 1946 |
| Transport Details | SS Eastern Prince Labuan to Sydney |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Pacific Star War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
War Service
On 31 Oct 1941 Arthur enlisted in the CMF at Bunbury and was initially posted to the 44th Australian Infantry Battalion (West Australian Rifle Regiment). On 5 Jan 1942 this changed with his call up for full time duty when he was posted to the 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment ww2. On 21 Apr 1942 the unit name changed to the 10th Reconnaissance Battalion, and on 31 May 1942 he was a member of 'A' Company. On 16 Jun 1942 he was transferred to the 25th Australian Reconnaissance Battalion, and yet another change saw Arthur returned to the 44th Australian Infantry Battalion (West Australian Rifle Regiment) on 4 Jul 1942. On 1 Oct 1942 Arthur enlisted in the 2nd AIF, remaining with his current unit.
On 4 Jun 1943 Athur completed a Motor Verhicle Trade Training Course at Graylands and went on to undertake a Mechanical Servicing Course which he completed, but failed to gain a pass. Arthur had been granted proficiency pay on 1 Jul 1943. He rejoined his battalion on 12 Jan 1944 and they entrained at Midland Junction for Queensland on 11 Feb 1944. There on 5 Jul 1944 Arthur was transferred to the 2/32nd Australian Infantry Battalion. On 23 Apr 1945 this unit embarked in Townsville on the USS General J.H. McRae (AP - 149) for Morotai, sailing the same evening, and disembarking there on 1 May 1945. Following a period preparing for a landing on Borneo the batalion was embarked on LSTs 562 and 573 and on 4 Jun 1945 as part of an 83 ship convoy (later increased to 104 ships when other joined them) sailed for Labuan Island in Brunei Bay where the landing took place on 10 Jun 1945. On 17 June the battalion transferred to the mainland, landing near Weston and facing only limited enemy resistance as they advanced to Beaufort and then to Papar where they were at the conclusion of hostilities.
Arthur embarked on SS Eastern Prince in Labuan on 14 Jan 1946 for Sydney, where he disembarked on 27 Jan 1946, and was then sent on to the Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot for discharge which took place on 11 Mar 1946.
Post War
Notes