William John Martin (16379)
From Our Contribution
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| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 6 Jun 1921 |
| Place of Birth | Subiaco, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 18 Years, 11 months |
| Description |
5'5½" (1.66m) tall ; 155lbs 70.307 kg ; medium complexion ; blue eyes ; dark brown hair ; arge scar on inner side left knee |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Clifton road, Byford |
| Next of Kin | Mother , Mrs Violet Maud Martin |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 16379 |
| Date of Enlistment | 30 Apr 1940 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 29 May 1942 ‒ 27 Jul 1942 |
| Transport Details | unknown Sydney to Milne Bay, New Guinea |
| Transfers | |
| Journey Dates | 11 Oct 1943 ‒ 12 Oct 1943 |
| Transport Details | plane Milne Bay to ? Australia |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Monument(s) | Byford WW2 Honour Roll |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Pacific Star Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
Had worked as a farm hand for 18 months and for 4 years as a labourer at the State Brickworks in Byford prior to enlisting. During 1926 he was living at Cardup and attending Byford School.
War Service
Bill enlisted at No. 4 RAAF Recruiting Centre on 30 Apr 1940 and was sent to No. 4 Recruit Depot RAAF Pearce, mustered as a Messman. From 8 May until 17 May 1940 Bill undertook a recruit drill course. On 5 Jun 1940 Bill was transferred to the No. 1 Engineering School RAAF at Ascot Vale in Victoria, initially for training, but later he became a member of staff. From 6 - 13 Feb 1941 Bill was admitted to the No. 2 RAAF Hospital. On 20 Mar 1941 Bill was appointed as a Leading Aircraftman, but on 6 Jun 1941 when he re-mustered from Messman to Cook, he reverted to Aircraftman, before again being appointed Leading Aircraftman on 20 Jul 1941. On 24 Feb 1942 Bill was transferred to Squadron HQs at Ascot Vale, and soon after on 16 May 1942 he was posted to No. 2 Embarkation Depot RAAF who then allocated him to HQ RAAF Port Moresby.
On 27 Jul 1942 Bill was transferred to Operational Base Fall River, the No 1 strip at Milne Bay, which was subsequently renamed to Operational Base Gurney. On 30 Oct 1942 the unit's name changed again, this time to No. 43 Operational Base Unit RAAF. From 9 - 23 Feb 1944 Bill was admitted to No. 4 Convalescent Depot RAAF. On 18 Mar 1943 at Milne Bay Bill was charged with ..'at or about 6:00am on 18 Mar 1943 when questioned by F/O LUSH as to whether the tea was made, said "NO" & being further asked why, said.."I didn't ....... know". When told to make the tea he replied "I will when I make the toast" & when told by F/O LUSH to address his superiors as Sir, said "GOOD OH" '. He was fined three days pay, but it probably said a lot more about F/O Lush than Bill Martin.
On 13 Oct 1943 Bill was transferred to No. 1 Reserve Personnel Pool RAAF and on 25 Oct 1943 to No. 5 Embarkation Depot RAAF where on 18 Dec 1943 he became a member of that unit's staff. Bill was promoted Temporary Corporal on 1 Aug 1944. He was transferred on 26 Jan 1945 to No. 4 Personnel Depot RAAF and then on 5 Mar 1945 to No. 2 Reserve Personnel Pool RAAF which at that time was in the Northern Territory. The next day he was sent to No. 4 Repair & Salvage Unit RAAF, where he was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 18 Oct 1945. Bill remained with them until 6 Mar 1946 when he was transferred to No. 5 Personnel Depot RAAF to undertake his discharge where he was discharged on 27 Apr 1946 with his address then being 5 John street, Armadale.
Post War
Married Cynthia Ann Davies in the Murray district during 1949? Electoral Roll entries: 1977 at 32 McLarty road, Pinjarra, truck driver ?
Notes