Pacific Group of Four
- Name: Neil James Francis
- Service No: VX137686
- Unit: 39th Battalion
- Naming Details: 1939-45 & Pacific Star, War & Australian Service Medals impressed - VX137686 N.J FRANCIS.
Additional Information
Record of Service:
Neil Francis was born on the 4th of June 1914 in Mildura, Victoria. He was working as a Flour Packerman when he enlisted in the Militia on the 3rd of May 1941. Neil was allocated service number V68202 and joined the 32nd Battalion.
On the 16th of October 1941 Neil transferred to the 39th Battalion and embarked from Melbourne on the 27th of December 1942. He disembarked at Port Moresby on the 3rd of January 1942 and was evacuated (Malaria) on the 10th of March 1942. He returned to the 39th Battalion on the 17th of June 1942. On the 14th of July 1942 he was evacuated sick and transferred to 113 Convalescent Depot.
Neil returned to the 39th Battalion at Efogi Creek on the 5th of September 1942 and was admitted to hospital (Dermatitis) on the 2nd of November 1942. On the 3rd of March 1943 he transferred to the Army Ordnance Depot and on the 8th of March 1943 his service number was changed to VX137686. Neil was evacuated on the 15th of March 1943 (Malaria) and embarked from New Guinea on the 11th of May 1943. He disembarked at Townsville on the 15th of May 1943 and was downgraded to Medical Class āDā on the 12th of July 1943.
Neil was discharged M.U on the 13th of August 1943. He died on the 19th of March 1989.
Notes:
1939-45 & Pacific Star, War & Australian Service Medals impressed VX137686 N.J FRANCIS.