The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Andrews
- First Name:
- William Joseph
- Nick Name:
- Bill
- Rank:
- Private
- Regimental #:
- WX17793
- Company:
- 'E‘ Company, Special Reserve Battalion, No. 1 Platoon
- Enlisted:
- 26.11.1941
- DOB:
- 8.10.1917
- Place of Birth:
- Mosman Park, Westem Australia
- Father's Name:
- Frederick Samuel Andrews
- Mothers's Name:
- Rosa Ellen Andrews (nee Taylor)
- Religion:
- Methodist
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Taxi Driver
- Memorial:
- Epitah, Singapore Memorial, Column 135, Age 24.
- Cause of Death:
- Killed in Action
- Place of Death:
- South‐West Bukit Timah
- Date of Death:
- 11.02.1942
General Description
Bill enlisted AIF 26 Nov 1941. At Northam Army Camp he became one of 146 Reinforcements being sent to Singapore. He joined No. 1 Platoon under CO Harry Green.
Bill was one of many reinforcements fighting with ‘E’ Company at South West Bukit Timah when they ran into a Japanese ambush on 11 February 1942. About 88 men of the 200 man Company survived. Please read further.
Bill Andrews enlisted 26 November 1941 and tragically had lost his life within three months when KIA during the battle for Singapore. He was 24 years old. Bill was initially reported missing however soon to be reported KIA.
Please read about ‘E’ Company.
Bill’s mother Rosa died 14 May 1937 aged 47 years. His mother Rosa Taylor and father Frederick Samuel Andrews married 1914 Subiaco. His father died in 1984 aged 96 years. Bill had one brother Godfrey.
Godfrey becomes engaged 1939.
Below: Bill’s father Frederick Samuel Andrews Royal Life Saving 1915.
Below; Frederick Andrews is appointed Justice of Peace 1917.
Below; Believed to be Bill’s father 1921.