Thomas McFarlane Cunningham
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 19 Jun 1921 |
| Place of Birth | Burntisland, Scotland |
| Death | 4 Apr 2010, aged 88 |
| Place of Death | Gosnells, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 20 years, 6 months |
| Description | 5'8¼" (1.73m) tall ; ; fair complexion ; brown eyes ; brown hair |
| Occupation | Dairy farmer |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Address | 'Blaweary', Byford, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr. Andrew Walker Cunningham |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | WX18609 |
| Date of Enlistment | 6 Jan 1942 |
| Rank | Private |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Monument(s) | Byford WW2 Honour Roll |
Pre War
Five year old Tom had arrived in Fremantle aboard SS Bendigo on 6 Jun 1927 from London with his mother and three youger siblings. The ship had departed London on 28 Apr 1927. Their previous address had been Cluny Square, Cadenden, Fifeshire.
Tom was a student at the Oakford School from 1931 until 1935, livinng at 'The Dales', Abernethy road, Oakford.
War Service
Thomas enlisted in the 2nd AIF at Claremont on 6 Jan 1942 and was posted to the 13th Australian Infantry Training Battalion at Northam to undertake early training. On 18 Jan 1942 he was admitted to the Northam Camp Hospital with Influenza, returning to his training unit on 26 Jan 1942. On 3 Mar 1942 Tom was sent on an NCOs Course and on 25 March he was transferred to the Recruit Training Battalion where on 27 Mar 1942 he was promoted Acting Corporal. A month later on 27 Apr 1942 Tom was transferred to the 3rd Australia Corps Guerilla Warfare School. On 11 Aug 1942 Tom was posted to the 3rd Australian Corps Training Depot. Three days later he reverted to Gunner on joining the 4th Australian Artilery Training Regiment at Northam . Tom required the services of the Northam Camp Hospital from 16 - 23 Sep 1942 after which he joined the 12th Australian Artilery Training Battery. On 11 Nov 1942 he was appointed as an Acting Lance Bombadier and then on 11 Dec 1942 he was transferred to the 3rd Australian Corps HQ
On 17 Nov 1943 Tom was granted 8 weeks Seasonal Leave, returning to his unit on 3 Feb 1944. However, on 15 Mar 1944 he was transferred to Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot to be discharged on grounds that he was required to work in Essential Supplies. His discharge took place on 16 Mar 1944.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 - 1972 at Rowley road, Armadale, diry farm hand; 1977 - 1980 at 35 Vistula terrace, Kelmscott
Notes