Harry DONCASTER

DONCASTER, Harry

Service Numbers: VX52878, V58006
Enlisted: 26 November 1939, Ballarat, Victoria
Last Rank: Lieutenant
Last Unit: 19th Australian Infantry Training Battalion
Born: Ballarat, Victoria, Australia , 17 July 1906
Home Town: Ballarat, Central Highlands, Victoria
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Master Monumental Stonemason
Died: Killed by escaping Japanese POWs, Cowra, New South Wales, Australia, 5 August 1944, aged 38 years
Cemetery: Cowra War Cemetery, NSW
Plot D, Row D, Grave 12 - also Roll of Honour, Ballarat Victoria, Australia
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Cowra Breakout Memorial, Cowra Lieutenant Harry Doncaster Memorial
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World War 2 Service

26 Nov 1939: Enlisted Lieutenant, VX52878, 2nd/8th Infantry Battalion, Ballarat, Victoria
26 Nov 1939: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Lieutenant, VX52878, Infantry Training Battalions
27 Nov 1939: Involvement V58006
4 Jul 1940: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Lieutenant, V58006
5 Aug 1944: Involvement Lieutenant, VX52878, 19th Australian Infantry Training Battalion

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Biography contributed by John Edwards

Son of William Charles and Alice Doncaster; Husband of Jessie Doncaster, of Ballarat, Victoria

"Lieut Harry Doncaster (AIF), who is reported killed, was a former resident of North Ballarat. A stone mason by occupation, he was 38 years of age, and leaves a widow and a son, aged seven. After serving in Middle East with 8th Battalion, AIF, he returned to Australia, and was for a time stationed a Darwin. Lieut Doncaster was a fine athlete and runner. As a member of Ballarat YMCA Harriers' Club he won many trophies, particularly in middle distance events. He graduated to the AMF from the senior cadets, and held a 15 years' long service medal and marksman's badges." - from the Melbourne Argus 02 Sep 1944 (nla.gov.au)

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