William Ritchie Napier
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 9 Aug 1914 |
| Place of Birth | Fernbrook, Western Australia |
| Death | 6 Apr 1999, aged 84 |
| Place of Death | Busselton, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 27 years, 11 months |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Fremantle road, Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs Christian Victoria Joan Napier |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 249745; W270 & WX26191 |
| Date of Enlistment | 5 Oct 1941 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit/Formation | 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment ww2 |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Medals |
War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
During 1937 Bill married Christian Victoria Joan Dyson. They had six children, including Robert George (Wobbly) Napier. CHristian died in 2009
War Service
Enlisted in the 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment ww2 on 29 Nov 1936 at Kelmscott for three years. Bill was appointed Lance Corporal at Naval Base on 1 Nov 1939, and promoted to Corporal at Victoria Park on 6 Sep 1940. He entered camp at Bunbury from 7 Jan 1941 until 27 Apr 1941, having been promoted Sergeant the day he entered the camp. On 7 Jul 1941 he was again in camp, this time until 4 Oct 1941.
Subsequent to the camp, Bill was called up for full time duty at Bunbury the next day, 5 Oct 1941. From 23 Feb 1942 until 16 Mar 1942 he attended a WCTS Weapons course in Wanneroo before becoming sick and being cared for by the 8th Australian Casualty Clearing Station from 24 - 30 Mar 1942. Bill enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 8 Jul 1942, and on 22 May 1943 he was transferred to the 3rd Australian Corps Training School as an Instructor.
On 30 Dec 1943 he was transferred to he Western Command General Details Depot at Claremont to prepare for his discharge, on 3 Jan 1944 notated as releasing him to Essential Services.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1943 Ninth road, Armadale, farm hand; 1958 - 1977 at Cundinup, farmer; 1980 at 19 Dolphin road, Busselton, retired
Notes
Bill enlisted in Kelmscott, where his medical exam was undertaken by Dr Carl Streich. His records include mention of a GSB medlal.