Five: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to WX284 G. J. STRAUGHAN. Stars un-named as often issued.
At the time of listing these medals Sergeant George James Straughan’s service records were still sealed.
The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;
Enlisted 7th November 1939 into the Australian Army at Subiaco, WA
Discharged 1ST March 1944
Unit on discharge listed as “2/11TH BATTALION 6 DIVISION”
Note: With the service number WX284 we know that Sergeant Straughan enlisted on the very first day of enlistment in 1939. The “Western Mail” newspaper dated the 9th January 1941 lists a “Virgilian Honour Roll” giving us an insight of his service and shows us he was still overseas at that time. “Cocky's Offsider" WX284 Sgt G. I. Straughan, A/A Platoon, Headquarters Coy.. 2/11 Battalion. AIF. Abroad”
The “Mirror” newspaper dated 31st October 1942 in relation to Georges wedding had stated the following; “George took everything Hitler’s men could throw at him overseas, and returned to claim his sweet heart. “(First WAAAF wedding in Geraldton)
With the newspaper clipping showing his marriage in Australia in 1942 and knowing the majority of the 2/11th were taken Prisoners on Crete, it appears that Sergeant Straughan may have been one of the lucky few who were able to make a daring escape off the island. Further research can only enhance this group.
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