Thomas Timothy Roberts
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 26 Aug 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Byford, Western Australia |
| Death | 12 Dec 1987, aged 64 |
| Place of Death | Nungarin, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 18 years, 4 months |
| Description | 5'6½" (1.69m) tall ; ; dark complexion ; brown eyes ; black hair |
| Occupation | Farm hand |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Hillside farm, Nukarni, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Thomas Roberts |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W78065 & WX31569 |
| Date of Enlistment | 18 Apr 1942 AMF & 25 Aug 1942 AIF |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 2/11th Australian Infantry Battalion |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 5 Nov 1944 ‒ 13 Nov 1944 |
| Transport Details | HMT Katoomba Townsville to Aitape, new Guinea |
| Transfers | |
| Journey Dates | 17 Jul 1945 ‒ 25 Jul 1945 |
| Transport Details | HMAS Manoora Wewak, New Guinea to Sydney |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Pacific Star War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
War Service
Thomas enlisted in the CMF at Merredin, and was called up for full time service on 20 Apr 1942 as a General Reinforcement. He was posted to Western Command Signals at Melville the following day. On 16 Jun 1942 he was detached to the Signals Recruit Training Depot. On 1 Aug 1942 Tom was posted to the 13th Australian Infantry Training Battalion, where he enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 26 Aug 1942.
Tom transferred on 21 Oct 1942 to the 25th Australian Division Cavalry Training Squadron', but on 26 October he was transferred to 3rd Australian Corps Guerrilla Warfare Group, having entrained for Queensland on 8 Oct 1943. Tom had been granted proficiency pay from 1 Jul 1943. On 1 Nov 1943 Tom transferred to the Water Transport Signals Centre, and on 3 Dec 1943 they allocated him to 43rd Water Transport Operating Company (Landing Craft).
Tom was then posted to 2/11th Australian Infantry Battalion on 25 Jan 1944. On 27 Jun 1944 he was transferred to the 2/2nd Australian General Hospital from the 104th Australian Casualty Clearing Station with an ingrown toe nail. On 5 Jul 1944 he was transferred to the 2/1st Australian Convalescent Depot, but he rejoined the battalion on 9 Aug 1944. On 5 Nov 1944 in Townsville Tom and his battalion embarked on HMT Katoomba for New Guinea, where they disembarked at Aitape on 13 Nov 1944.
On 17 Jul 1945, Tom embarkd on HMAS Manoora in Wewak for Sydney where he disembarked on 25 Jul 1945. On 17 Sep 1945 Tom was posted to Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot where he was demobilized on 13 Oct 1945.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 - 1980 Hillside farm Nungarin, farmer.
Married Bridgette Elizabeth (Betty) Wellstead during 1949 in Katanning. Children Tom, Ellen, and Bob
Notes