The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Meiklejohn
- First Name:
- John Thompson
- Nick Name:
- Mick
- Rank:
- Lieutenant
- Regimental #:
- WX9393
- Company:
- ‘D’ Company, No. 15 Platoon (Commanding Officer)
- Enlisted:
- 16.11.1940
- DOB:
- 17.05.1919
- Place of Birth:
- Katanning, Western Australia
- Father's Name:
- John Meiklejohn
- Mothers's Name:
- Lilian Grace Meiklejohn (nee Knable)
- Religion:
- Church of England
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Warehouseman
- Memorial:
- Epitaph, Singapore Memorial, Column 135, Age 22.
- Cause of Death:
- Missing believed killed in action
- Place of Death:
- West coast of Singapore
- Date of Death:
- 8.02.1942
General Description
Meiklejohn enlisted Nov 1941, later joined ‘D’ Coy 2/4th MGB. Lt. Meiklejohn became Commanding Officer of No. 15 Platoon, with Sgt Solly his Platoon Sergeant.
Please read further about ‘D’ Company No. 15 Platoon.
Please read about Singapore Tours and tribute to Lt. Meiklejohn
Wounded in the chest whilst in action on the west coast of Singapore. This Officer was last seen firing his revolver at a Japanese Corporal whilst fighting his way out from the coast. Lt. Meiklejohn was in the company of several men from his No. 15 Platoon, ‘D’ Coy including Sergeant Solly.
It was later reported (after capitulation) by Pte Tapper that Lt. Meiklejohn was wounded whilst operating a Vickers machine gun at Krangi, where the Japanese first landed on Singapore, Sunday night 8 Feb 1942. Lt. Meiklejohn and Sgt Solly never came out of the action.
Meiklejohn was with 11th Btn Militia prior to enlisting AIF 2/4th 15 November 1940. He joined ‘D’ Coy.
His parents John Meiklejohn and Lilian Grace Knable of Mornington Mills married in 1917.
John and his brother William were together farming at Muradup, near Kojonup. William Meilejohn has his name inscribed on the Muradup War Memorial.
William enlisted WW1, however did return home although reported ill in 1917. William and John’s partnership was dissolved.
In 1927 John Meiklejohn advertising his property for sale at Muradup (near Kojonup).
Below, brother of Lilian Meiklejohn, died at Fleurbaix, France.
Below: In correspondence tabled in Kojonup Road Board meting in May 1927, John Meiklejohn’s father notifies the Board that he is no longer working his farm. This was not uncommon throughout this time through to the late 1930’s – there was a depression and times were tough.
Southern Districts Advocate (Katanning, WA : 1913 – 1936), Monday 2 May 1927
We believe John Meiklejohn (Jnr) spent his early years living at Muradup near Kojonup, until his parents left the area. He was residing at Victoria Park when he enlisted.
Kings Park Honour Avenue
