The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Zappa
- First Name:
- Ernest Patrick
- Rank:
- Private
- Regimental #:
- WX8964
- Enlisted:
- 25.10.1940
- Discharged:
- 6.03.1942
- DOB:
- 4.11.1915
- Place of Birth:
- Comet Vale Western Australia
- Mothers's Name:
- Elma Zappa
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Prospector
- Return Details 1945:
- Ern never left Australia, he was hospitalised several times during training having being injured while training. He was discharged in March 1942 as 'medically unfit not occasioned by his own default'. After the war he became active with the Association and spent many years on Executive.
General Description
Although Ern trained with 2/4th, he remained behind due to illness.
Both he and his brother Lou Zapper enlisted from Gwalia Mines and were well known to Dick Ridgwell. Lou went overseas.
Ern was the quietest of the two Zappa boys. According to Jim Ridgwell his father told him he (Dick) and Lou spent a lot of time together as larrikins getting in fights etc.
Ern married Violet G Cox in 1943.
Ern held the position of Secretary with the 2/4th Committee from 1958 until 1966. Eric Fraser was President, J Duncan was Vice President and John Mellor and Pummel acted successively as Treasurers.