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James Robert McCormack

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James Robert McCormack
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Personal Information
Date of Birth 6 Sep 1919
Place of Birth Bunbury, Western Australia
Death 30 Aug 2003, aged 83
Place of Death West Pinjarra, Western Australia
Age at Enlistment 20 years, 7 months
Address Armadale, Western Australia
Next of Kin Father , Mr Andrew McCormack
Military Information
Reg Number WX3518
Date of Enlistment 20 May 1940
Rank Private
Unit/Formation 2nd/3rd Australian Machine Gun Battalion
Military Movement
1st Departure from Australia
Journey Dates 19 Apr 1941 ‒ 14 May 1941
Transport Details SS Île de France Fremantle to Port Tewfik via Colombo
Transfers
Journey Dates 31 Jan 1942 ‒ 15 Feb 1942
Transport Details SS Orcades Port Tewfik to Tanjong Priok, Java
Post War Details
Fate POW Captured Java 9 Mar 1942
Monument(s) https://www.powmemorialballarat.com.au/ Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Ballarat
Medals 1939-45 Star
Africa Star
Pacific Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-45
Australian Service Medal 1939-45



Pre War

War Service

After completing training in Australia, in April 1941 the battalion embarked for the Middle East. In June/July 1941 it saw action against Vichy French forces during the Syria–Lebanon campaign, during which time the battalion was heavily involved in supporting various elements of the 7th Division.

Following Japan's entry into the war, the decision was made to transfer a large number of Australian troops from the Middle East to the Pacific region. In early 1942, as the Japanese advanced through the Netherlands East Indies, the majority of the battalion was captured during the Battle of Java.

As a POW was held in Thailand. Discharged 13 Dec 1945

Post War

Notes

Captured Java, spent time in Thailand POW West Aust 2 Nov 1942; POW West Aust 8 Jul 1943; The Argus, Saturday 22 September 1945, page 8


External Links

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