The Soldier's Details

Surname:
Thomas
First Name:
William Llewellyn
Nick Name:
Slim
Rank:
Private
Regimental #:
WX7480
Company:
‘D’ Company
Enlisted:
6.08.1940
Discharged:
14.05.1946
DOB:
4.11.1917
Place of Birth:
Jardee, Western Australia
Father's Name:
Arthur Compton Thomas
Mothers's Name:
Helena May Thomas
Religion:
Church of England
Pre-war Occupation:
Labourer
Singapore:
Selarang Camp and Barracks Changi
Force:
‘ D ’ Force Thailand, S Battalion
Camps Thailand:
Tarasau, Konyu II, Nacompaton
POW#:
8851
Return Details 1945:
Thailand‐Singapore by aircraft, Singapore-Fremantle, HMT Circassia.

General Description

Soldier was shell shocked at Hill 200, Ulu Pandan on 12/2/1942. He was evacuated with minor shrapnel wounds to both legs on 12/2/1942.

Height 6′

Thomas was selected to work on Burma-Thai Railway with ‘D’ Force S Battalion.  S Battalion included a large number of 2/4th men – they departed Singapore Railway Station crammed into small trucks and headed to Thailand mid May 1943.

Please read further about ‘D’ Force S Battalion

From Konyu II Camp at the Hellfire Pass cutting, 2/4th POWs were sent in smaller groups to Hintok, Kinsaiyok, etc.  Sick were evacuated to Tarsau Hospital Camp, Chungkai, Tamarkan etc.

As he was not selected for Japan, we estimate Slim was hospitalised/sick at time men were selected from Tamuang.

He may have later been selected for other work parties in Thailand before arriving Nacompaton – unfortunately there are records.

He was recovered from Nacompaton, Thailand at the end of the war.

 

Taken 19 Sept 1945, this is largest pagoda in Thailand – this was a significant landmark for Allied bombing raids.

Slim Thomas is standing far right.

Camp Locations:

  • Selarang Barracks Changi - Singapore
  • Selarang Camp Changi - Singapore
  • Nacompaton, Nakom Pathom Hospital - Thailand
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