Arthur Gordon Hubbard
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 31 Mar 1919 |
| Place of Birth | Kellerberrin, Western Australia |
| Death | 19 Aug 2018, aged 99 |
| Place of Death | Gosnells, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 21 years, 7 months |
| Description |
5'11½" (1.81m) tall ; 154lbs 69.853 kg ; healthy complexion ; brown eyes ; black hair |
| Occupation | Shop assistant |
| Religion | Baptist |
| Address | Roleystone, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr. William Edgar Hubbard |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W1021 & WX17372 |
| Date of Enlistment | 22 Oct 1941 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 2/11th Australian Infantry Battalion |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 5 Nov 1944 ‒ 11 Nov 1944 |
| Transport Details | HMT Katoomba Townsville to Aitape, New Guinea |
| Return to Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 13 Dec 1945 ‒ 18 Dec 1945 |
| Transport Details | HMS Implacable Wewak, NG to Sydney |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Monument(s) | Roleystone Roll of Honour |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Pacific Star War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
War Service
George enlisted in the Militia on 10 Oct 1940, and enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 22 Oct 1941. He was sent to the Western Command AASC Trade Training Centre, but on 19 Jan 1942 he was transferred to the 2/28th Australian Infantry Battalion reinforcements, and on 28 Jan 1942 he was graded as a Trade Group IIi Driver/Mechanic. On 19 Mar 1942 he was appointed Lance Corporal and on 28 Mar 1942 he was transferred to the 1st Special Battalion in Fremantle where on 30 Apr 1942 he was promoted Temporary Corporal. On 24 Jun 1942 he was re-allocated, this time to No 3 Detachment at Karrinyup, before changing again on 14 Jul 1942 to No 2 Detachment on Rottnest.
George was admitted to the 39th Australian Camp Hospital from 1 - 15 Aug 1942 before returning to the 35th Australian Infantry Training Depot. On 18 Sep 1942 Arthur reverted to Private at his request, and was again a Trade Group III Driver/Mechanic. On 12 Dec 1942 Arthur was transferred to the 16th Australian Infantry Battalion (Cameron Highlanders Regiment) at Northam before moving with them to Adelaide, departing Perth on 27 Feb 1943 and detraining in Adelaide on 4 Mar 1943. Ten days later he entrained for the Northern Teritory, arriving on 18 Mar 1943. Admitted to the 109th Australian General Hospital the same day with Dysentry, he was released to his unit on 29 Mar 1943, arriving back with them on 4 Apr 1943. On 16 Apr 1943 Arthur was tansferred to the 2/7th Australian Field Ambulance as a driver. On 27 Jun 1943 he entrained for Western Australia.
The next entry in his records indicates that Arthur was in Queensland and had been released from the 2/6th Australian General Hospital to return to his unit, the 2/7th Field Ambulance on 11 Oct 1943. He was detached to the 13th Australian Advanced Ordnance Depot in Queensland from 14 Feb to 13 Mar 1944. Arthur was AWOL from mid-day 30 May until 8:00am the following day. Fined £1 ($2) and forfeited a days pay. Arthur was again in trouble on 16 Jun 1944 when he was charged with 'Conduct to the Prejudice of Good Order and Military Discipline'. Found guilty he was fined £1. On 14 Jul 1944 Arthur was attached to HQs 6th Australian Infantry Division, returning to the Field Ambulance on 18 Sep 1944 and transferred the next day to the 2/11th Australian Infantry Battalion.
On 5 Nov 1944 the battalion embarked on HMT Katoomba in Townsville for New Guinea where they disembaked at Aitape on 13 Nov 1944. From 1 - 3 Dec 1944 he received medical attention from the 104th Australian Casualty Clearing Station and again on 5 Feb 1945. He was passed on to the 2/11th Australian General Hospital on 5 Feb with a Hernia. Released to the the Division's recreation camp on 9 Mar 1945, he rejoined the battalion later that day. With the winding down of units following the ned of the war, Arthur was transferred to the 2/7th Australian Infantry Battalion on 7 Nov 1945, followed by aniother transfer, this time to the 2/6th Australian Infantry Battalion on 8 Dec 1945. On 13 Dec 1945 he embarked on HMS Implacable in Wewak, New Guinea for Sydney where he disembarked on 18 Dec 1945. He was transferred to the Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot for discharge which took place on 29 Jan 1946.
Post War
In 1994 he was living at 1893 Albany Highway, Maddington.
Notes
Burial record implies that Gordon was born 5 years later and was therefore 17 at time of enlistment.