The Soldier's Details

Surname:
Brennan
First Name:
Maurice John
Nick Name:
Chum
Rank:
Corporal
Regimental #:
WX9031
Classification:
Chiropodist
Company:
Battalion Headquarters
Enlisted:
25.10.1940
DOB:
5.07.1913
Place of Birth:
Perth, Western Australia
Father's Name:
George Brennan
Mothers's Name:
Mary Brennan (nee Herlihey)
Religion:
Roman Catholic
Pre-war Occupation:
Labourer
Memorial:
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Plot 1, Row 0, Grave 70, Age 30.
Singapore:
Selarang Camp and Barracks Changi
Force:
'D' Force Thailand, V Battalion
Camps Thailand:
Kinsaiyok, Brankassi, Hindaine, Kuii
POW#:
4/4451 & 2211
Cause of Death:
Beri-Beri
Place of Death:
Kuii Camp
Date of Death:
27.09.1943
Buried:
Grave No.182, Kuii.

General Description

Brennan enlisted AIF Oct 1940 and later joined 2/4th’s Battalion Headquarters – he was  classified as Chiropodist (primarily to treat foot disorders) and Corporal with Pimlott to Commanding Officer Lt-Col Michael Anketell.

 

Please read about D Force Thailand, V Battalion and Kuii

 

Brennan

 

Maurice was selected in Singapore to work on the Burma-Thai Railway with ‘D’ Force V Battalion which departed by train for Bampong, Thailand on 17 March, 1943.
At Bampong the men stayed at Komna Transit Camp nearby before setting out for Kanchanaburi where the men met up with Cough.  Please read further about V Battalion which was to endure the highest death rate of ‘D’ Force – 50%. Maurice was one of 21 men from 2/4th who died at Kuii.

 

 

 

Maurice John (Chum) married Agnes Smart Scott about 1938.
His parents George Brennan and Mary Herlihey married in 1911 in Perth.  Maurice was the eldest of three sons and four daughters.
Records show Maurice worked for WAGR from 1936 and 1937. He worked at both the Midland and Perth Stations. During this time he was living with his parents at 43 Smith Street, North Perth.  It appears he remained working for the WAGR after he married.

Camp Locations:

  • Selarang Barracks Changi - Singapore
  • Selarang Camp Changi - Singapore
  • Brankassi, Prang Kasi, 208k - Thailand
  • Hindaine, Kui Mang 200k - Thailand
  • Kuii, Kui Yae, 185.6k - Thailand
  • Kinsaiyok Jungle No.2 Camp, 167.7Km - Thailand
Back