The Soldier's Details

George Kidd enlisted August 1940 later joined 2/4th’s ‘B’ Company 9 Platoon under Commanding Officer Lt Don Lee.

George would have known a large number of the men and been good mates with those who had also enlisted, many into ‘B’ Coy.  George had been a house painter with his father.

Following the surrender at Singapore on 15 August 1942 George became POW at Singapore.

He was selected to work on Burma-Thai Railway with ‘H Force Thailand.

Please read about this Force.

George was evacuated to Kanchanaburi Hospital Camp from working on the rail link with ‘H’ Force.   He died from illness 24 October 1943 aged 37 years.

 

Below: George’s family received some good news during 1943.

 

 

 

Photographed Kanchanaburi War Cemetery January 2018 – C.Mellor

 

The Kidd family arrived in Western Australia on board ‘Belgic’ from Liverpool, England about November 1912.  George was one of 5 young children listed on the passenger list, the others were Jean, George, Mary and William and Jessie.  Once in WA the family grew to include Jessie, Jim, Violet, Flo and David.  The Kidd family resided for many years at Boulder.

 

 

When he enlisted, George was recorded living and working at Boulder painting houses with his father.  In fact two Kidd sons, George and younger brother David were living with their parents at 80 Moran Street, and both were working with their father as painters.

Both George’s parents were born in Scotland.  The Kidd family quickly embraced the local Caledonian Society and other community events.

 

Below:  A great storm blew into Boulder causing much damage, and injuring several young men.  George Kidd received only small injuries.

 

 

Below:  George had an interest in boxing.

 

 

 

 

George’s mother Christina died 1951.

 

Below:  James Alexander Hunter Kidd died 1954 aged 84 years.  He and Christina were buried at Fremantle Cemetery.