The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Gossage
- First Name:
- George John
- Rank:
- Private
- Regimental #:
- WX9062
- Classification:
- Signaller
- Company:
- Headquarters Company, No. 1 Platoon Signals.
- Enlisted:
- 25.10.1940
- DOB:
- 12.04.1915
- Place of Birth:
- Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
- Father's Name:
- George Victor Gossage
- Mothers's Name:
- Annie Elizabeth Gossage (nee McDermott)
- Religion:
- Roman Catholic
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Crane Driver with W.A.G.R.
- Memorial:
- Kranji War Cemetery, Plot 1, Row A, Grave 13, Age 26.
- Cause of Death:
- Killed in Action, Age 26
- Place of Death:
- Ulu Pandan
- Date of Death:
- 12.02.1942
- Buried:
- Where killed at map reference 763132 by Major A. Cough Party on 21.12.1942.
General Description
George Gossage enlisted AIF Oct 1940. He later joined HQ Company as a Signaller with No. 1 Platoon.
George was KIA Ulu Pandan aged 26 years on 12 Feb 1942. It is believed he received a gunshot wound to his stomach during the bayonet charge at Hill 200, Ulu Padan. His wounding was witnessed by McCracken who was near to him. Cpl Rutherford also confirmed death of George Gossage.
Please read further about Ulu Padan.
When Alf Cough was finally granted permission by Japanese to retrieve 2/4th dead 21 Dec 1942 George Gossage was one of the few to be identified and buried M/R 763132 at Reformatory Road.
L-R Claude Gault, Jack Wren, George Gossage, Harold Eastwood (KIA Feb 1942), Bob Ramage (d. Sep 1943) from HQ Coy No, 1 Platoon Signals.
The above is from Nell and her eldest daughter Janice. George’s sister Ellen Louvaine (Nell/Nellie) Gossage born 1916, Kalgoorlie married William (Bill) Schofield in 1942.
GOSSAGE. George John (Sig), previously reported missing, February 12, 1942, now presumed dead; dearly beloved son of Mrs and the late George Gossage, of 170 Wittenoom-street, East Perth, and late of Bridgetown; loved brother of Nell (Mrs W. Schofield), Veronica and Len; brother-in-law of Bill, uncle of Janice. R.I.P.
‘The West Australian’ 28 May 1945
The above notice for George was placed in newspaper by his mate Bob Ramage’s wife and children. Bob died dysentery 23 Sep 1943 on Burma-Thai Ralway at Payanthonzu Cap. Bob was 38 years old.
__________
George was eldest of four surviving children to George Victor Gossage married 1914 Yilgarn to Annie Elizabeth McDermott. He died in Bridgetown in 1937.
The Gossage children attended the local Catholic school. George (Snr) was employed with WAGR. George (Jnr) participated in local and school sports – including Cycling, Football and tennis. His sister Nellie was a talented pianist and by all accounts the Gossage family actively participated in the Bridgetown community. He was employed by WAGR.
His estate went to his mother Mrs Annie Elizabeth Gossage, 170 Wittenoon Street, East Perth.
Below: This cycle race is won by Ivor Thorley WX9562, with George being mentioned with a minor place.
Sadly, neither Thorley or Gossage returned home.
Below: George has a good game kicking goals.
George would found his grandfather, also named George Gossage had died at home in Bridgetown in 1934. George’s grandmother had died about 12 months earlier.
In 1937 Electoral Roll George and his parents are residing at Roe Street, Bridgetown. George Victor was a driver with WAGR. George (Jnr) was grocer’s assistant. George (Snr) early death in 1937 followed a brief illness.
GOSSAGE. On November 7, 1937, at Bridgetown, George Victor, loving husband of Annie, father of Nellie, George, Veronica and Lennie; brother of Leo (Wiluna); late Driver, W.A.G.R. Loved by all. ‘The West Australian’ Wed 10 Nov 1937
The Gossage family leave Bridgetown following the death of George (Snr). Family members were reported visiting Bridgetown over the next few years.
In Oct 1940 George enlisted with AIF.
In 1943 Electoral Roll Annie and son George were residing 170 Wittenoon Street, East Perth. George was employed as a labourer. More than likely, his younger siblings were also residing at Wittenoon Street (not recorded until 21 years old).
Annie Gossage died in 1962.
Unfortunately George Gossage (Jnr) does not have his name on the Bridgetown WW2 Memorial.
