The Soldier's Details

Was a mate of MacDonald WX17566

Both Kenmir and MacDonald were in ‘A’ Force Burma, Green Force No. 3 Battalion.  Read further about ‘A’ Force.

In December 1943 when railway was completed the Japanese began moving all POWs in Burma south into one of about 4 or 5 large Camps, some of which were hospital camps.  Kenmir remained at Tamarkan until the end of the war and MacDonald was sent to Nakom Nayok Hospital Camp until the end of war when he was evacuated to Bangkok before flying to Singapore.

MacDonald died after returning from war at Hollywood hospital in 30 May 1951.

Below:  Other 2/4th names include Ray Wilson, Piggott, Williams, Pitts, etc.

Robert Kenmir’s parents James Wright Kenmir and Rose Ann McGuire married about 1890 Durham.  James was a coal miner.  Robert was one of about 6 children, he had at lest 3 older siblings.

He arrived without family at Fremantle from London on ‘Ballarat’ November 1929 at the age of 25 years.  His occupation was recorded as miner and appeared to quickly settle into his new ‘home’.

When he enlisted Robert Kenmir was working for E.J. Adams, South Karlgarin (Beverley region) as a labourer. He had been in the district for many years, participated in local cricket and tennis events.

It is believed he married Elsie Beswick in 1946.  In 1963 Robert was working as a hospital orderly and they lived in Mt Hawthorn.

In June 1964 Robert Kenmir died aged 60 years. He was cremated at Karrakatta.  Elsie lived until 1980 and died aged 80 years at Mt Hawthorn.  She was also cremated at Karrakatta.

Below:  This Red Cross event for Lady Mitchell includes several men from 2/4th who were patients for their failing eyesight caused by lack of vitamins as POWs.  Names include John McGregor, Hampton and Gilmour.