Ruby Joyce Francis
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 3 May 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Armadale, Western Australia |
| Death | 10 Sep 1996, aged 73 |
| Place of Death | Mahogany Creek, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 19 years, 7 months |
| Description | 5'2" (1.58m) tall ; ; fiar complexion ; blue eyes ; fair hair |
| Occupation | Home duties |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Fifth road, Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr. Henry Victor Francis |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | WF93079 |
| Date of Enlistment | 27 Dec 1942 |
| Rank | Driver |
| Unit/Formation | HQ 5th Australian Salvage Depot |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
Pre War
War Service
Ruby enlisted in the Australian Women's Army Service on 27 Dec 1942 in Claremont. On 13 Feb 1943 she was classified as a Trade Group II Driver, and two days later was transferred to HQ 5th Australian Salvage Depot. On 27 Dec 1943 she had completed 12 months service and received a pay increase. Ruby was admitted to the 1st Australian Women's Hospital between 6 and 10 Feb 1944 with a suspected threatened miscarriage, and admitted again between 14 and 19 Feb 1944, this time with metrorrhagia.
On 30 Jun 1944 Ruby was charged with 'Neglect - Driving Army vehicle 24956 at 3:30pm negligently at the intersection of Townsend and Bagot roads Subiaco, failed to keep proper lookout and failed to give way to civil vehicle 25699 approaching from the right. Ruby received a Severe Reprimand from her Commanding Officer.
On 10 Dec 1945 she was detached to the 124th Australian General Transport Company, returning to her unit on 16 Apr 1946 with an immediate transfer to 31st AWAS Barrack for discharge two days later.
Post War
During 1946 Ruby married Allan Cuthbert Harris (1904 - 1996) in Perth. They had 3 children. They were on the SS Gorgon which sailed from Singapore to Fremantle, arriving there on 29 Dec 1956. Allan was described on the manifest as Conservator of Forest. He had served as a Major with the 12th (Jarrah) VDC Battalion during ww2.
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 c/o Forest Department HQs, Armadale; 1954 - 1980 at 5 Duncraig road, Applecross.
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