The Soldier's Details

Murdoch enlisted 9 May 1941 – as a reinforcement he joined 2/4th on ‘Aquitania’ 15 January 1942 anchored off Fremantle, and sailed for Singapore next day.  He joined A Coy, No 6 Platoon – he was one of 13 reinforcements for this Platoon.  Others included Bill Cake, Doust, Hickey, L W Lee, Harry Lucas, Bert Morrisey, Peter Omiridis, Reg Pascall, Roots, Spouse, Wallis and A S A Webb.  Most reinforcements formed ‘E’ Company.

Initially selected to work on Burma-Thai Railway with ‘D’ Force S Battalion, it is believed Murdoch arrived Tarsau  and became ill with dysentery and a fever, was left behind when S Battalion departed and he joined up with V Battalion on or about 29/4/1943.

Please read about ‘D’ Force V Battalion

Arthur moved to Adam Park from Selarang 5 May 1942.

He was evacuated sick back to Changi on 10 November 1942.

Left Changi for River Valley Road Camp 1 December 1942 – 23 December 1942 returned to Changi.

He left Singapore by train 14 March 1943 for Thailand.  Arrived Tarsau on 27 March from Kanchanaburi by Truck.  Tarsau was D Force S Battalion’s first work camp – this is where Arthur became ill and joined V Battalion – which endured the highest death rate of all D Force.

Tarsau to Brancassi 5/5/43 to 10/7/1943

Brancassi to Hindaine 10/7/43 to 31/8/1943

Kui Camp 31/8/43 to 18 Dec 1943 (it was here Arthur mentioned Jaensch who died 6 October 1943.

Returned to Non Pladuk 18 December 1943.

Went Tamuang Camp – selected as fit Japan with ‘Rashin’ Maru Party.  Read further about Rashin Maru.  Arthur was sent from Moji Japan to Yamine and then to Nihama where he was recovered at end of war.  Read about D Force S Battalion and ‘Rashin’ Maru.

From Manila he sailed to Sydney on HMS ‘Speaker’.  Please read this story.

Following his return to Sydney, Arthur made his way home to SA.  He was discharged from Kadara Convalescant Home to 105 AGH (Adelaide).

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Arthur was one of four children born Port Pirie, South Australia to parents Melbourne Arthur Murdoch (his father from Scotland) and Georgina ‘Bessie’ Elizabeth Dybing ( Bessie’s father was born Norway).

Arthur’s brother Peter Alexander also enlisted into the Forces WW2, he joined RAF.  He also returned home.

Arthur’s mother Bessie died Adelaide SA. in 1957 and his father died 1967 in SA.

Arthur was recorded in 1949 Electoral Roll at Winaminna, Whyalla working as a labourer.

In 1948 Arthur married Joyce Irene Murdoch in Perth.

From 1968 through to 1980 Joy and Arthur were recorded residing Herbert Street, Doubleview.  Arthur worked as an orderly throughout this time.

Below:  Joy Murdoch, Glad Frazer and Squeaker Murdoch.

Joy Murdoch, Glad Fraser, Squeaker Murdoch

Arthur passed away on 13th May 1988.