WW2 Pacific Group of Seven

Record of Service:

 

Donald Thomas was born on the 20th of December 1918 in Newcastle, New South Wales. He was working as a Butcher when he enlisted in the Militia on the 12th of April 1938. Serving in the 16th Light Horse (M.G) Regiment Donald was mobilised with the C.M.F on the 23rd of January 1942 and allocated service number N7450.

 

Donald was promoted to Lieutenant (probationary) on the 18th of August 1941 and volunteered for the 2nd A.I.F on the 13th of January 1943. He was re-allocated service number NX141901 and on the 3rd of July 1943 transferred to the 2/14th Infantry Battalion. Donald served with the 2/14th in New Guinea from early August 1943 until he returned to Australia with the Battalion in March 1944. During this time the 2/14th fought in the Markham and Ramu Valleys and the battles of Shaggy Ridge.

 

On the 7th of February 1945 Donald was promoted to Captain and is noted in the Battalion’s unit history as being appointed 2 i/c of “C” Company at the time of the Borneo Landings at Balikpapan. On the 14th of August 1945 Donald returned to Australia and on the 18th of August 1945 was appointed as a Company Officer with the 5th Australian Prisoner of War Reception Camp. In September he disembarked at Singapore where he served until November 1945. He discharged from the army on the 3rd of April 1946.

 

Donald applied for his WW2 campaign service medals in 1995 and his 1945-75 ASM – S.W. Pacific in 1998.

 

Notes:

 

Please note there is some minor surface corrosion (from the use of incorrect mounting tape, which has now been removed) on the back of several of the medals. This does not detract.

 

1939-45 and Pacific Stars pantographed NX141901 D.W. THOMAS, War and Australian Service Medals impressed NX141901 D.W. THOMAS. 1945-75 Australian Service Medal - S.W. PACIFIC pantographed NX141901 D.W. THOMAS. Dutch Commemorative War Cross unnamed and Infantry Frontline Service Medal hand engraved D.W. THOMAS NX141901