The Soldier's Details

Tom was selected with ‘A’ Force Burma, Green Force  No. 3 Battalion to work on the Burma-Thai Railway.

This Force was shipped from Singapore to Burma May 1942.    Green Force disembarked at Victoria Point where about 1000 POWs were split into two working parties.  One remained in Victoria Point working at wharves unloading fuel, rice etc, then loading onto trucks.

The 2nd group moved out of Victoria Point to repair and extend the airfield.  They also had to construct roads.

When completed, Green Force then moved to northern point of  rail link to begin work at Kendau 4.8 km Camp.  ‘A’ Force’s Australian POWs were the first to work on Burma-Thai Railway.

Please read further about A Force Green Battalion.

Read also, Tom’s Affidavit to War Crimes in the Matter of crime committed by KIYOTO USA (Scarface)

Tom Fitzgerald’s statement about ill treatment at Nacom Chassi, Thailand.

Below:  Tom is recorded with other 2/4th boys: Bevis, Tom Hampton, Baker

Tom’s mother Annie born 1876 England, arrived in Australia 1894.  She married Walter William Cowan 1896 and had four sons and one daughter, including the youngest, Tom who was born in 1903.

Tom’s father died illness November 1904 at Fremantle aged 40 years.

In 1910 Annie remarried to James Hawkins Fitzgerald in Perth.  He had children from his first marriage – Brian, James, Ruby and Ruth.  Annie’s children are Mary, Ted, Jack, Walter and Tom.

In 1929, Annie’s daughter Mary Ellen died.

James Fitzgerald died 1935 at Geraldton.

In about 1930, Tom married Hannah Helena Olsen in Geraldton.

In 1936 they were residing at Wicherina Dam, Eradu.  Tom working as a labourer.

After the war, Tom returned to Geraldton to his wife and family to live.  In 1949 he and Hannah were residing at Simpson Street, Tom was shearer.  Tom and Hannah separated, and in 1954 were residing separately in Geraldton.

Tom’s mother Annie McInnes died 12 October 1958 at Geraldton.

In 1958 Tom had remarried.   He and Nada Dudley were at Carrier Station, Cape Yorke, Queensland where Tom was a prospector.  In 1963 they were at Nelly Bay, near Townsville and Tom was a labourer.

Tom died 17 April 1978 at Townsville aged 74 years.