Wilfred John Alldridge
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 24 Aug 1910 |
| Place of Birth | Catford, London, England |
| Place of Death | Aukland, New Zealand |
| Age at Enlistment | 30 years, 7 months |
| Description | 5'11" (1.80m) tall ; |
| Occupation | Dairy farmer |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Address | 'Shirley Farm' Byford, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr William Alldridge |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W3491 & WX36508 |
| Date of Enlistment | 19 Jul 1942 CMF; 15 Dec 1942 2nd AIF |
| Rank | Gunner |
| Unit/Formation | 2/7th Australian Field Regiment |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 18 Sep 1942 ‒ 22 Sep 1942 |
| Transport Details | HMT Taroona Townsville to Port Moresby |
| Return to Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 7 Apr 1944 ‒ 10 Apr 1944 |
| Transport Details | SS Ormiston Port Moresby to Bowen |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Monument(s) | ANZAC Memorial Park (Byford) |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Pacific Star War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
In the 1911 English Census Seven month old Wilfred is listed with his parents William and Lizzy Agnes at 57 AElmer road, Catford SE. On 20 Jun 1923, with his parents and two siblings he embarked on the SS Themistocles (Voyage 32) in London for Albany in WA as a Third Class passenger, disembarking on 28 Jul 1923. Later in 1923 he was noted as attending the Group 68 Peel Estate school.
War Service
Wilfred enlisted in the CMF prior to 6 Mar 1941, but was called up for full time service from that date, and was initially with the HQ 7th Heavy Brigade RAA (M) at Fremantle. On 9 Jun 1941 while posted to Rottnest Island he was admitted to the Rottnest Camp Hospital. He was back with his unit on 12 Jun 1941. He was again admitted to the Camp Hospital from 12 - 17 Aug 1941. In mid 1942 Wilfred was granted both paid and unpaid leave before being entrained on 8 Aug 1942 for Queensland where on 17 Aug 1942 he joined 'B' Australian Heavy Battery (Coast) then being formed in Townsville.
On 18 Sep 1942 in Townsville Wilfred boarded HMT Taroona for Port Moresby as a member of the unit to man the Bootless Battery at Kirra Beach, disembarking in Port Moresby on 22 Sep 1942. On 15 Dec 1942 Wilfred enlisted in the 2nd AIF at Port Moresby. During the time they were in New Guinea, the unit was relabled 'C' Australian Heavy Battery (Coast). Wilfred embarked in Port Moresby on 14 Apr 1944 aboard SS Ormiston for Bowen where they disembarked on 19 Apr 1944. On 10 Aug 1944 Wilfred transferred to Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot. Wilfred was discharged on 12 Jun 1944.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1936 Oakford; 1943 'Shirley Farm', Byford with wife Lizzie Agnes. It is probable that he moved to Auckland, New Zeland soon after 1949 and died there in 2003 aged 93. Buried in the Oratia Cemetery. In 1954 their address was South road, Henderson, in 1984 his address was 131 Bruce McLaren road, Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand.
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