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.
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.
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:
- Adam Park Camp - Singapore
- Johore Bahru, - Malaysia
- Selarang Barracks Changi - Singapore
- Selarang Camp Changi - Singapore
- Non Pladuk, 0k - Thailand
- Saigon - French Indo China
