The Soldier's Details

BANGKOK, THAILAND. 1945-09-16. 8TH AUSTRALIAN DIVISION EX-PRISONERS OF WAR (POWS) OF THE JAPANESE AT THE WAR MEMORIAL IN THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE TOWN DURING A CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR. SHOWN: CORPORAL H. R. HENDERSON, 2/3RD AUSTRALIAN MOTOR TRANSPORT COMPANY (1); PRIVATE W. RIDGEWELL, 2/4TH AUSTRALIAN MACHINE GUN BATTALION (2); DRIVER S. R. HOLLAND, 3RD AUSTRALIAN RESERVE MOTOR TRANSPORT COMPANY (3).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1987 Anniversary Dinner – Beryl Beattie, Trevor James, Alma & Dick Ridgwell (Beattie Collection)

 

 

 

Prior to joining the 2/4th Battalion Dick was linked to the Regimental Training Depot holding the position of Corporal, on signing on to the 2/4th he reverted to Private.

At 98 years of age, Dick Ridgwell is our oldest attending Committee member.  He is most highly regarded.  We admire his forthrightness!

 

Watch the video interview of Dick Ridgewell, WX14197, with Peter Winstanley.

Read the stories,  Dick’s encounter with a Sikh in Singapore

and Never assume Japanese do not speak English

Listen to an oral interview with Dick in February 2001. recorded in Singapore

Please read about Dick at Tarsau Camp Hospital.   A sick man himself, he helped mates in a worse state than himself.

From Tarsau Dick was sent to Tamarkan, Chungaki and Nakom Nayok.    When the war ended he was transported by truck to Bangkok where the POWs were flown to Singapore.

Read of Dick’s return to Perth.

 

Dick was working at Sons of Gwalia when he enlisted.  It was here Dick met his wife-to-be Alma.

 

Borehole Bulletin October 1992

The following letter was addressed to Ted Wallin, (editor of Borehole) written by John Waddell from Newdegate.

‘Just a note to say good’day and some information on Bill ‘Jeep’ Breed’s 90th birthday in June.  Hoping all is well with you as it is with Beth and I, we are shifting to Mandurah next month so may get to a few more shows.

Bill is keeping well and has a marvellous spirit for his age.  His party, organised by Poll Findlay’s daughter Marg and husband Merve Saunders, was very well done.  Plenty of food and drinks all day and plenty of chance to talk.

Around 35 people turned up over the day and included Bill’s friends from Perth and Newdegate, also many cards, etc. a very nice one from Dick Ridgwell which was very much appreciated by Bill.  ‘Cowboy’ Matthews rang him but I was the only 2/4th present.

Bill also had a phone call from a doctor who treated him for a few years, from Cocos Island where he is now on holiday and said he’ll be back next year to see Bill.

Everyone enjoyed the party, especially Bill, who was as bright as a button at 10 o’clock at night when we left.”