Service Details
- Branch of Service
- Army
- Conflict
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Date of Enlistment
- 14/07/1942
- Date of Discharge
- 08/02/1944
- Place of Enlistment
- Port Moresby, Papua
Personal Details
- Gender
- Male
- Date of Birth
- 04/11/1889
- Place of Birth
- Melbourne, Victoria
- Address (at enlistment)
- Arthur Circle, Forrest ACT
- Occupation
- Public servant
- Next of Kin
- Dorothy Paul (wife), Arthur Circle, Forrest ACT
Unit and Rank Details
- Service Number
- NX129432 (N42891)
- Final Rank
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Final Unit
- 3 Battalion
Notes
Paul was a qualified electrical engineer in the Examination Branch of the Patents Office. He was a veteran of World War 1 where he served with the artillery and earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Cross. He was a member of the militia between the two wars serving with the Australian Signals Corps (1919-1936) before becoming the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion (a militia unit also known as the Werriwa Regiment). In October 1941 he began full time duty with 3 Battalion and led his unit to Port Moresby in May 1942. He entered the Kokoda Track in September 1942 but while climbing Imita Ridge he realised that at 53 years of age he could not cope with the difficult conditions. He was transferred to the Australian Corps of Signals in New South Wales and commanded 2 Army Signals until his appointment was terminated in January 1944.
Sources
WWII Nominal Roll http://www.ww2roll.gov.au
ACT Electoral Rolls 1916 to 1967 http://canberraheritageportal.org/default.php
Colin Kennedy, 'Port Moresby to Gona Beach. 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion 1942', 1992
NAA RecordSearch