The Soldier's Details

Surname:
Smith
First Name:
Alexander Julian
Nick Name:
Whispering
Rank:
Private
Regimental #:
WX6441
Company:
‘D’ Company
Enlisted:
16.07.1940
Discharged:
9.01.1946
DOB:
6.04.1916
Place of Birth:
Fremantle, Western Australia
Father's Name:
Julian Alfred Smith
Mothers's Name:
Ellen Smith
Religion:
Roman Catholic
Pre-war Occupation:
Butcher
Singapore:
Selarang Camp Changi, Johore Bahru, Adam Park, Selarang Barracks Changi.
Force:
‘D’ Force Thailand, V Battalion, Selected 'Both' Party
Camps Thailand:
Non Pladuk (evacuated to hospital on 23.9.1943)
POW#:
4/6634
Return Details 1945:
Saigon‐Bangkok-Singapore by aircraft, Singapore‐Townsville‐Brisbane by aircraft, Brisbane-Sydney‐Melboume-Perthby troop train.

General Description

Smith enlisted AIF 16 Jul 1940, later joining 2/4th’s ‘D’ Company 14 Platoon under Commanding Officer Lt. Tompkins.  Alf Winter was also in 14 Platoon. Alf married Justine, Smith’s sister.

Please read about ‘D’ Company

As a POW in Singapore Whispering Smith worked on the Burma-Thai Railway with ‘D’ Force Thailand V Battalion – a group of men who suffered high death rate and endless illnesses.

Please read further about V Battalion

Smith was sent to French Indo-China with ‘Both’ Party from where he was recovered at the end of war. Others in this Party were Ron Badock and Sue Currie.  They remained great mates after the war.

Read further about Both Party

 

October 1945 journey home to Australian on deck of ‘MV Highland Brigade’ Left sitting: Alexander Smith and Wally Lynn last right standing with British Nursing Sisters of The Queen Alexandra Nursing Service and other 8th Division survivors.

Camp Locations:

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  • Johore Bahru, - Malaysia
  • Selarang Barracks Changi - Singapore
  • Selarang Camp Changi - Singapore
  • Non Pladuk, 0k - Thailand
  • Saigon - French Indo China
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