Maurice Weinbren
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 7 Sep 1899 |
| Place of Birth | Russia |
| Age at Enlistment | 42 years, 5 months |
| Description | 5'9½" (1.76m) tall ; ; fair complexion ; grey eyes ; dark brown hair ; amputated right hand |
| Occupation | Bank officer |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Address | c/- Kelmscott Post Office |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr. Max Weinbren |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W54987 |
| Date of Enlistment | 17 Feb 1942 |
| Rank | Staff Sergeant |
| Unit/Formation | Australian Army Pay Corps |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
Pre War
During WW1 Maurice had served with the South African Infantry, and had become a naturalised British subject in 1934 in Pretoria South Africa. On 2 Jun 1934, 34 year old Chartered Accountant Maurice departed Southampton, England on the Cunard Liner Aquitania for New York. His address was 2, Hyde park Square, London. On 13 May 1938 Maurice a 38 year old Chartered Accountant sailed in 1st Class aboard SS Strathnaver for Fremantle, Australia, giving his address in England as having been 2, Hyde Park Square, W2.
Maurice married Gertrude Marie Sophia Charlotte Bergman sometime post enlistment as at enlistment he was described as a 'widower'. Electoral Roll entry: 1943 at 7 Vix street, Nedlands, military duty.
War Service
Maurice enlisted in the CMF on 17 Feb 1942, and was called up for full time service on 3 Mar 1942 to serve in the Pay Corps. Posted to 5th Military District Accounts Office, on 17 Jul 1942 he was promoted Corporal. From 29 Aug 1942 until 14 Sep 1942 he was released home on sick leave. Maurice was promoted Acting Sergeant on 14 Jul 1943, on 27 Mar 1944 he was promoted again, this time to Staff Sergeant.
Maurice was admitted on 5 May 1944 to the 118th Australian General Hospital with neuritis before being released to the Western Command Accounts Office on 14 May 1944 and on 29 Jun 1944 a Medical Board classified him as B2 on account of the loss his right hand. On 14 Jul 1944 his rank of Staff Sergeant was confirmed. A week later on 21 Jul 1944, while on leave he was accidentally injured with a compression fracture to 7 vertebrae. On 1 Sep 1944 he was again admitted to the 118th Australian General Hospital, returning to the District Accounts Office on 23 Nov 1944. The same day he was detached to the 65th Australian Depot Cash Office until 4 Dec 1944 when he returned to his unit. Maurice was transferred to the Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot on 30 Apr 1945 for discharge which occurred on 8 May 1945 as 'Medically unfit for further Military Service'.
Post War
Electoral Roll entry: 1949 at 7 Vix street, Nedlands. No further entries, and no death in WA for either Maurice or Gertrude.
On 15 Feb 1950 Maurice, then employed by the Commonwealth Bank, disembarked with his wife Gertrude from the SS Gothic in Fremantle, ex Liverpool, England.
Notes