The Soldier's Details

 

Hope enlisted AIF 30 Jul 1940 and later joined 2/4th MGB’s ‘D’ Company No. 14 Platoon.

Soldier was wounded in action at Hill 200, Ulu Pandan. Admitted to Alexandra Hospital on 12.2.1942 with a gunshot wound to his left elbow. Discharged to unit on 24.2.1942.

Eddie was selected to go to Burma with ‘A’ Force Burma, Green Force No 3.   ‘A’ Force made up of 3,000 POWs was the first work party to leave Singapore, sailing on 14 May 1942 on three ships to the south west coast of Burma where Green Force would spent several months repairing and extending the aerodrome before heading to the northern most point of  Burma-Thai Rail link in Burma.  They started work on the rail at Kendau 4.8km Camp on 1st October 1942 and would work throughout the next 12-14 months based at several camps in Burma until the end of December 1943.

We believe Eddie was probably evacuated from Augganaung 105 km Camp to the so-called hospital camp, Khonkan 55 km. He was  23 years of age when he died of chronic diarrhea, malnutrition and beri beri on 8th August 1943.

Read further about ‘A’ Force Green Force No. 3 Btn

Also please read Khonkan Hospital, Burma.

 

 

 

 

Eddie’s parents Ivan Meredith Hope and Edith Nelson married 1919. Edith Nelson was the only daughter of Arthur Nelson born Ireland 1861 and Julia McIntyre born Scotland 1864 who lived at Buntine.  The Nelson family had moved from New Zealand and interstate prior to settling in WA.  Arthur (Snr) was a builder in Perth.   Edith had two brothers Allan Ramsey and Arthur Joseph Nelson.  Allen had served in WW1 and acquired a War Service Farm or was provided land under a government scheme as it seems did Ivan Hope, Eddie’s father.  He is recorded farming at Buntine with Edith.

Edith and Ivan had one child, their son Edwin.

 

Below Edith with her two brothers Allen and Arthur.

 

 

 

 

We wish to acknowledge Joan Costello and Carole Ranieri, daughters of Allan Nelson and first cousins to Eddie Hope for providing photos and family information.  May 2019

 

Edith parents moved from Buntine and in 1927 electoral rolls they resided in Darlington, whilst her brothers continued living at Buntine.  It is believed Eddie was looked after by his grandparents as his mother was unwell for many years, before she and Ivan divorced in 1935 and she died in 1945. (It is more than probable Edith suffered with post natal depression following the birth of Edwin – sadly this was not a recognised or treated illness at this time)

Farming at Buntine was unsuccessful (poor farming land, depression, rabbits, economy)  the Nelson brothers left as did Ivan Hope.

In 1935 Ivan and Edith divorced.

 

Ivan Hope’s WW1 Service

Ivan Hope enlisted 5 December 1916 WW1.  Service No. 7254 aged 26 years and 5’10” tall, he joined reinforcements for 11th Battalion, embarking 29 January 1917.  He took sick several times during his service, and on 3 June 1918 received a GSW to his forearm.  He returned to Australia June 1919.

Whilst he was serving with 11th Battalion, his parents were residing in England.  His father Dr. James William Hope was residing 11 Leopold Road, Ealing Common, London W5.  Obviously there were opportunities for them to meet.

 

In January 1940 Ivan Hope remarries.

Eddie Hope aged 20 years enlisted 30 July 1940.  He joined 2/4th MGB’s ‘D’ Company.  By 15th February 1942, he was a POW of Japan.

Eddie’s family and friends would not learn of his tragic death in 1943 Burma until after the war.

 

Below the following provide a little insight into Ivan’s life and war experience – he has lost his service papers in 1924 working as a  fencing contractor at Wandering and required an official copy.

 

 

 

 

In 1947 Ivan Hope died aged 57 years.

 

 

And Eddie’s mother Edith who was born Caulfied, Victoria in 1892,  died on 18 May 1948 aged 56 years.

 

 

 

A young Eddie Hope.

We extend our thanks and acknowledgement of the above photograph provided by relative Joan Costello.