The Soldier's Details

Alec Minchin enlisted AIF 10 Aug 1940 later joining 2/4th MGB’s ‘C’ Company, 11 Platoon; promoted to Corporal 18 Jan 1942.

Alec was selected with the first work force to leave Singapore to sail to Burma.    ‘A’ Force Burma Green Force No. 3 Battalion.  

At the end of 1943 when the railway line was completed, the Japanese began to evacuate all the POWs in Burrma and move them south into Thailand into one of about 4-6 large camps.

During 1944, Alec was considered ‘fit’ to work in Japan by the Japanese.  He finally departed Singapore in Sept 1944 on ‘Rakuyo’ Maru bound for Moji, Japan.

Folllowing an American Submarine attack, the ‘Rakuyo’ Maru sank.  Alec perished in the South China Sea on 15 Sept, 1944 aged 30 years.  He was able to survive from the 12th, but was too weak to go on.  Toms succumbed to the seas the previous day on 14th Sept. (These facts are known – from the survivors).

Please read further about ‘Rakuyo’ Maru

MINCHIN, Corporal, ALEC RANDOLPH, WX7662, A.I.F. 2/4 M.G. Bn., Australian Infantry. 15 September 1944. Age 30. Son of Frederick and Lily May Minchin, of Dangin, Western Australia; husband of Mabel Alice Minchin, of Dangin. Panel 18.

Labuan Memorial, Malaysia.

Alec Minchin’s parents Frederick Minchin and Lilly May Johnston m. Guildford 1902.  They had a family of 8 children and lived at Dangin.

Alec’s brother Mervyn also enlisted.  He died 1 May 1945 Tarakin, Borneo.

Alec married Mabel Alice Stone about 1941 at Rockingham.

Below: Alec’s mother Lillie Minchin died in 1953.

Alec’s sister Beth Minchin m. Alwyn Lohoar of South Quairading.

Alwlyn Lohoar placed a death notice in West Australian Newspaper for Fred Toms WX7664.  Toms and Minchin enlisted same day, joined ‘C’ Coy, 11 Platoon.

Minchin and Toms have their names on the Quairading WW2 Honour Roll