The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Murphy
- First Name:
- John Patrick
- Nick Name:
- Jack or Spud (Johnny to family)
- Rank:
- Private
- Regimental #:
- WX7426
- Company:
- Headquarters Company No. 2 Platoon Anti-Aircraft
- Enlisted:
- 6.08.1940
- DOB:
- 13.03.1916
- Place of Birth:
- Boulder, Western Australia
- Father's Name:
- Thomas Bernard (Bernie) Murphy
- Mothers's Name:
- Arimathea Jocine Callaway Murphy (nee Blackmore)
- Religion:
- Roman Catholic
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Truck Driver
- Memorial:
- Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Plot 1, Row 0, Grave 73, Age 27.
- Singapore:
- Selarang Camp and Barracks Changl
- Force:
- ‘D’ Force Thailand, V Battalion
- Camps Thailand:
- Kinsayok, Kuii
- POW#:
- 4/6434 & 2274
- Cause of Death:
- Cholera
- Place of Death:
- Kuii
- Date of Death:
- 30.11.1943
- Buried:
- Grave No. 219, Kuii.
General Description
Murphy enlisted AIF 6 Aug 1940 and later joined 2/4th MGB’s Headquarters No. 2 Platoon Anti-Aircraft under C.O. Lt Royce. Royce and a large number of 2/4th were KIA or wounded at Hill 200 on 12 Feb 1942. Royce died here.
As a POW in Singapore Murphy left to work on the Burma-Thai Railway with ‘D’ Force Thailand, V Battalion. This work party suffered a high number of deaths and illnesses.
Murphy died of cholera ‘D’ Force Thailand V Battalion and Kuii Camp
A notice from his 2/4th mate Ron Wylie.
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
Below: is Jack’s brother, Bernie who never returned home.
Kings Park Honour Avenue.
Jack’s parents married Kalgoorlie in 1906. Jack was the youngest of two sons with two older sisters born in Boulder.
Below: Wedding of Thomas Bernard Murphy & Arimathea Blackmore. Mother of bride Johanah Blackmore nee Calloway, sitting next to groom. Miss Allness bridesmaid sitting.
Jack’s father enlisted WW1 – the former miner joined the 3rd Tunnelling Corps.
Below: Jack’s father returns from war 1919. His mother was caring for four children whilst her husband was away.
Jack’s grandmother (mother of his father) died in Jul 1938.
In 1937 Electoral Roll Jack was residing with his parents at 56 John Street, North Fremantle working as a labourer.
Jack’s father died March 1944 whilst his two sons were away at war. The Murphy brothers were POWs of Japan when they died. Jack died in Nov1943 and Bernie would die May 1944.
Camp Locations:
- Selarang Camp Changi - Singapore
- Kuii, Kui Yae, 185.6k - Thailand
