Arthur Samuel William Alldridge
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 13 Jan 1916 |
| Place of Birth | Byford, Western Australia |
| Death | 23 Sep 1974 |
| Place of Death | Collie, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 25 years, 8 months |
| Description | 5'10" (1.78m) tall ; ; mild complexion ; hazel eyes ; dark brown hair ; scars on jaw and neck |
| Occupation | Truck driver |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Byford, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr. William Alldridge |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | WX16571 |
| Date of Enlistment | 22 Sep 1941 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 64th Australian Infantry Battalion |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 23 May 1945 ‒ 5 Jun 1945 |
| Transport Details | SS Pasteur Brisbane to Morotai |
| Transfers | |
| Journey Dates | 21 Sep 1945 ‒ 24 Sep 1945 |
| Transport Details | HMAS Westralia Morotai to Ambon |
| Return to Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 3 Nov 1945 ‒ 3 Nov 1945 |
| Transport Details | plane Ambon to Morotai |
| Journey Dates | 10 Nov 1945 ‒ 21 Nov 1945 |
| Transport Details | HM LST 408 Morotai to Brisbane |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to AUstralia |
| Monument(s) |
ANZAC Memorial Park (Byford) Byford WW2 Honour Roll |
| Medals |
Pacific Star War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
Electoral Roll entry: 1937 Byford, farm hand; During 1941 Arthur married Ruby Brennand (1916 - 1987) in Perth. Ruby died 7 Jul 1987, aged 71
War Service
On 22 Sep 1941 Arthur enlisted with the 2nd AIF. Two days later he was admitted to 110th Australian Base Hospital for an overnight stay. On his return to training he was posted to the Artillery Training Depot. Basic training completed, on 22 Nov 1941 he was posted to the 2/3rd Australian Field Regiment. On 16 Jan 1942 he was allocated to the 3rd Field Training Battery. On 13 Mar 1942 Arthur was transferred from the 2/3rd Australian Field Regiment to the 3rd Australian Field Regiment. On 18 May 1942 Arthur was classified as a Trade Group III Driver/Mechanic at Northam. He was admitted to the 4th Australian Casualty Clearing Station's Main Dressing Station on 15 Jan 1943 and they sent him on to the 110th Australian Base Hospital at Hollywood on 21 Jan 1943. Seemingly discharged the same day, he spent time with Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot from 22 Jan 1943 until he rejoined his unit on 4 Feb 1943. On 8 Oct 1943 he married Ruby.
On 18 Jun 1944 be boarded a ship in Fremantle for Sydney where he disembarked on 26 Jun 1944 and on 27 Jul 1944 he was posted to 1st Australian Base Depot. On 4 Aug 1944 he was sent to the 1st Australian Infantry Training Battalion who three days later transferred him to the 32nd Australian Infantry Training Battalion. Yet another change occurred on 4 Oct 1944 when he was sent to the 3rd Australian Corps Motor Transport Training Depot to undertake a Drivers Course, and on 27 Nov 1944 he was returned to the training battalion where he remained until 19 Jan 1945 when he was sent to the 4th Australian Reinforcement Training Battalion (Jungle Warfare). On 9 Feb 1945 he was admitted to the 22nd Australian Camp Hospital with an infected left knee, returning to training on 16 Feb 1945. On 7 March he was transferred to Brisbane to await a ship, and on 23 May 1945 he boarded the SS Pasteur in Brisbane for Morotai, disembarking there on 5 Jun 1945.
In Morotai on 25 Aug 1945 he joined the 64th Australian Infantry Battalion and with them on 21 Sep 1945 he boarded the HMAS Westralia for Ambon to hold the territory until the Dutch could return. On 3 Nov 1945 he arrived back in Morotai by plane from Ambon, and was transferred (on paper) to the Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot for discharge. He bagan the journey home by boarding HM LST 408 at Morotai on 10 Nov 1945, disembarking in Brisbane on 21 Nov 1945. Arthur arrived in Perth on 5 Dec 1945, and was discharged on 10 December.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 at 100 Kirkham Hill terrace Maylands, labourer; 1954 - 1972 at Lot 12 Preston road, Collie, miner.
Notes