Pacific Group of Four
- Casualty: WIA - 07.12.42
- Name: Charles Francis Sims
- Service No: QX23469
- Unit: 49th Battalion
- Naming Details: 1939-45 & Pacific Stars, War & Australian Service Medals impressed - QX23469 C.F SIMS
Additional Information
Record of Service:
Charles Sims was born on the 9th of December 1920 in Goondiwindi, Queensland. He was working as a Station Hand when he enlisted in the 2nd A.I.F on the 10th of September 1941. He was allocated service number QX23469 and marched in to the Toowoomba Exhibition Grounds on the 10th of September 1941.
On the 10th of March 1942 Charles joined the 49th Battalion. On the 21st of March 1942 he embarked from Townsville and disembarked two days later at Port Moresby. On the 26th of August 1942 he was evacuated with Dysentery and returned to the Battalion on the 10th of September 1942. On the 7th of December 1942 he was Wounded in Action (GSW right arm). On this day the 49th Battalion launched a costly and futile attack on the Japanese at Sanananda. In five hours, the Battalion had lost 14 Officers and 215 other ranks killed and wounded. Approximately 55-60 per cent of the attacking force.
Recovering from his wounds Charles returned to the 49th Battalion on the 12th of February 1943 and on the 12th of March 1943 embarked from Port Moresby for Australia. On the 3rd of July 1943 Charles transferred to the 2/1st Battalion and on the 21st of December 1944 embarked from Cairns. He disembarked at Aitape on the 27th of December 1944 and fought with the 2/1st throughout the Aitape-Wewak campaign.
In October 1945 Charles transferred to HQ Lae Prisoner of War Camp and embarked from Rabaul on the 28th of February 1946. He was discharged on the 1st of April 1946.
Notes:
1939-45 & Pacific Stars, War & Australian Service Medals impressed QX23469 C.F SIMS