Commanding Officer of 15 Platoon was Lt. Meiklejohn who was KIA on the first day of fighting.
James Thorpe aged 12 years sailed from London on ‘Borda’, he was accompanied by Mr Patrick McAneny, shoemaker and Mrs Kate McAneny of 15 Elm Park Terrace, Shotley Bridge.
It is thought James’ mother Margaret had died in England, and Jim came to Australia to be with siblings. He was one of a large family. Jim’s brother Andrew Thorpe died with the RAF over Germany in 1944. The had another two brothers fighting with the British Forces. Jim also had two sisters June and Ellen living in WA.
Jim Thorpe enlisted AIF October 1940 and later joined ‘D’ Company No. 15 Platoon.
Soldier was killed between 1600 and 1700 hours on 15 February 1942. He was sheltering behind a house when it received a direct hit. Robert Whitford WX7232 was hit in the chest and died by the same shell which killed Jim Thorpe aged 25 years. Both were buried in a common grave at the Chinese Cemetery, located at the head of Holland Village and Buona Vista Roads
