William Norrie McNaughton
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 3 Jan 1898 |
| Place of Birth | Dundee, Scotland |
| Death | 24 Nov 1974, aged 75 |
| Place of Death | Perth, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 44 years, 4 months |
| Description | 5'10" (1.78m) tall ; ; fair complexion ; nlue eyes ; brown hair ; tattoo on left forearm. |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | South crescent, Byford, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr. John McNaughton |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W62676 |
| Date of Enlistment | 28 May 1942 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 26th Australian Employment Company |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Monument(s) | Byford WW2 Honour Roll |
Pre War
Electoral Roll entries: 1931 - 1943 at Byford, no occupation. No evidence of any marriage.
War Service
While Bill enlisted in the General Reinforcements at Armadale on 28 May 1942 he was not taken on full time strength until 10 Nov 1942. On 23 Nov 1942 Bill was sent to Northam's 16th Australian Training Company ('B' Class). On the completion of basic training Bill was posted on 7 Jan 1943 to the 26th Australian Employment Company. On 28 Jan he joined their detachment at Ardath, returning to the main unit on 6 Mar 1943 and the following day was granted proficiency pay.
Following a sort leave he was detached to Port Hedland (he would have travelled on one of the WA Government coastal ships, but there is no entry in his records to tell us which one.) While in Port Hedland he had need of medical attention and was admitted to the 75th Australian Camp Hospital from 4 - 8 Feb 1944. Bill returned to Fremantle from Port Hedland, disembarking on 4 Apr 1945 and on the same day reconnected with the parent unit at Davilak. On 12 May 1945 Bill was sent to Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot to be discharged on 15 May 1944 - essential supplies category - brickmaking, to be employed at Byford brickworks.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1954 - 1972 at South crescent, Byford, labourer
Notes
During the period 1939 - 1945 some unit names changed more than once. In the case of Australian Employment Companies they were also known as Works Companies, Labour Companies, Labour Units, Labour Corps. For sake of consistency I have adopted the term Employment Company. The role they played did not change with title. They were established to ensure that the Australian Defence Force had a large force of soldiers dedicated to essential labouring tasks, providing the physical labour needed to maintain the war effort and support the fighting forces.
Of the total of 39 Companies, 11 were part or fully manned by non British citizens known then as 'aliens'. These alien companies were not issued with arms. The 26th Company was formed with British citizens.