Herbert Bunney
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 16 Dec 1922 |
| Place of Birth | Cardup road, Byford, Western Australia |
| Death | 8 Dec 1990, aged 66 |
| Place of Death | Byford, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 19 years, 8 months |
| Description | 5'5" (1.65m) tall ; ; fair complexion ; blue eyes ; fair hair |
| Occupation | brickmaker |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Address | Byford, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr David Joseph Bunney |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | WX29878 & W8854 |
| Date of Enlistment | 15 Jul 1942 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 16th Australian Infantry Battalion (Cameron Highlanders Regiment) |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 21 Nov 1944 ‒ 26 Nov 1944 |
| Transport Details | USAT Evangaline Darwin to Jacquinot Bay, New Britain. |
| Return to Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 9 Feb 1946 ‒ 14 Feb 1946 |
| Transport Details | SS Lidvard Rabaul, New Britain to Brisbane |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Monument(s) |
ANZAC Memorial Park (Byford) Listed in random order Byford WW2 Honour Roll |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Pacific Star Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
War Service
Herbert joined the CMF's 16th Australian Infantry Battalion (Cameron Highlanders Regiment) on 16 Feb 1940 and was called up for full time duty on 16 Dec 1941. He had been appointed as a cook on 5 Aug 1941 following a training course at No. 3 Depot Melville. On 15 Jul 1942 he transferred to the 2nd AIF. In January 1943 he was again sent on a course for cooking staff, with his records noted that he required strict supervision.
On 26 Feb 1943 the battalion departed Western Australia for South Australia and then Darwin where they arrived on 23 Mar 1943. He was AWOL from 10:00am on 15 Feb 1943 until 7:00pm on 19 Feb 1943. Punishment not recorded. On 19 Apr 1943 he was evacuated to the 119th Australian General Hospital in Adelaide River with Osteitis Externa, rejoining his unit five days later. In January 1944 he attend a four day aircraft recognition course and on 20 Aug 1944 he was granted Proficiency Pay.
On 21 Nov 1944 the battalion boarded the USAT Evangaline for New Britain where they arrived on the 26th. From 1 Sep 1945 he was paid as a Lance Corporal, before on 9 Feb 1946 with the disbandment of the 16th Battalion, he was posted to the 37/52 Battalion. On 9 Feb 1946 he embarked on the SS Lidvard in Rabaul for Brisbane where they arrived on 14 Feb 1946. He arrived in Western Australia on 1 Mar 1946 and for a short time was transferred to the WA Fixed Defences unit. Herbert was AWOL from 1:30am on 29 Apr until 10:30am on 1 May 1946. Admonished by his CO he forfeited two day's pay. Herbert was discharged on 24 May 1946.
Post War
Herbert married Lorna Patricia Rubery during 1952. Kenneth Charles and Phillip David are sons?
Electoral Roll entries: 1968 - 1980 at 23 Blytheswood avenue, Byford, labourer.
Notes