The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Woodall
- First Name:
- George Eric
- Nick Name:
- Eric
- Rank:
- Pte
- Regimental #:
- WX12071
- Company:
- HQ Coy 2/3rd MGB
- Enlisted:
- 29.04.1941
- DOB:
- 2.01.1914
- Place of Birth:
- Hull, England
- Father's Name:
- Woodall Ward
- Mothers's Name:
- Woodall, Eleanor
- Religion:
- Methodist
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Orchardist
- Camps Thailand:
- Tarso
- POW#:
- 6941, 39431 Thailand.
- Cause of Death:
- Debility & C.B/B
- Place of Death:
- Tarso, Thailand
- Date of Death:
- 20.01.1944
- Buried:
- Kanchanaburi Cemetery Row P, Plot 1, grave 68.
General Description
Review WX12071 George Eric Woodall‘s military records held at NAA.
British born, 27 years old Eric was single and working as an orchardist when he enlisted. He recorded his father Ward Woodall, of Maida Vale near Guidford as his NOK.
George initially was sent to Middle East and then sailed back towards Australian on Orcadia – to the huge disappointment he and a large number of Australian soldiers were virtually ordered to disembark at Java under their South Australian CO Arthur Blackburn, 2/3rd MGB. Blackburn did all he could to disobey orders, but eventually orders are orders and he would face a court martial. Blamey ordered their disembarkment knowing Singapore was about to surrender to Japan and what hope was there for Java? It was a shameful act.
George was captured by Japanese 8 March 1942. Initially reported missing in Action at Java then on 19 Aug was believed to be POW Java.
He was obviously sent to work on Burma-Thai Railway via Singapore, however unfortunately we do not have details of the work Party – it was probably Dunlop Force.
On 20 Jan 1944, George Woodall was reported to have died of illness on the Burma-Thai Railway at Tarsau POW Camp which at the time was a hospital Camp.
After the war he was laid to rest at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
Below: Woodall’s name is recorded on Tarsau Hospital Records as having died 20 Jan 44 of malaria, B2 Deficiency and diarohea.
Other West Australians of 2/3rd who died at Tarsau Hospital Camp include Rowse, Thatcher and Nielson.
Below: Woodall family arrive 1929 Otranto.
Below: Eleanor Woodall died Dec 1952.
