The Soldier's Details

John had 5 years service with 24th Battalion AGA prior to enlisting AIF December 1940.

He was selected in Singapore to work on Burma-Thai Railway with ‘A’ Force Burma Green Force No. 3 Battalion which sailed from Singapore.   Green Force disembarked at Victoria Point on south western coast of Burma, while the remaining numbers of ‘A’ Force sailed to Tavoy and Ye.  The 3,000 men of ‘A’ Force worked on repairing/extending the airfields and as well construct roads at these three locations before moving on to the northern part of Railway in Burma.

Read about ‘A’ Force Green Force No. 3 Battation.

 

Following completion of the railway, the Japanese brought all POWs in Burma south to Thailand to one of several large camps.  John was at Tamarkan then sent to Kachu Mountain Camp, Petchaburi and Bangkok.

Below is a copy of John Flanigan’s Affidavit to the War Trials about the brutality of guards at Kachu Mountain Camp during 1945.

You can read further about Kachu Mountain Camp

 

 

 

When John prepared this Affidavit in1946 he was residing Queensland.

 

John’s parents William Flanigan born Victoria  and Elizabeth Ann Biddle married Perth 1898.  John was  their 3rd child after William Henry and Irene.

 

 

In 1904 Elizabeth’s mother died.

 

 

Below:  John’s mother died 1947 Queensland.

 

John’s father William Flanigan died Queensland 1955.

 

 

John trained as a cabinet maker and continued with his craft throughout his life.

In 1929 he was residing Clarence Street, North Perth, Cabinet Maker.

1949 Salisbuiry Street, Bayswater.

1963 he and Theresa were residing Riverton.

1972 Electoral Roll reveals John and his wife Theresa Bridget residing Riverton, John working as cabinet maker.

It is not known whether John and Theresa had a family.

John died 1 Sept 1975 at Riverton aged 68 years and was cremated Karrakatta Cemetery.