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2/20th Battalion

A.I.F.

My Army Number, NX 639 was allotted at the Sydney Showground. It is very low, but by the end of the day the numbers allotted were in the 72,000 bracket.

This was 3 April 1941.

We were also issued with Field Service uniforms and then taken to Canterbury Racecourse where we were given drill basics and then, as no accommodation was available at Racecourse, overnight leave.

TRAINING AT TAMWORTH

I stayed a couple of nights with friends (the Muries) at 34 Cross Street, Campsie, before we proceeded to Tamworth, Manilla Road Army Camp (New South Wales) by overnight train journey. Remember it as being very cold.

Entered  8 Block under Captain Cartwright V.C., former War I officer and very fair and efficient. Parade and field training proceeded as at that stage we formed 12th Reinforcements to 2/4 Battalion, 6th Division.  We expected to finally proceed to Middle East.

R&R LEAVE

After three weeks training we were sent home on leave prior to embarkation for Middle East. This allowed me to attend Nabiac Show in May 1941, along with Bert Dorrington from Singleton (Number NX 638), who had enlisted with me.  (He had worked for Keith Frazer's dad at Dyer's Crossing before enlistment.) We had a pretty good day and were pretty popular.

N.C.O. TRAINING

On return to Tamworth, I was selected with several others to proceed to non-commissioned Officers' Training School at Randwick Racecourse where, for three weeks, we enjoyed training by top N.C.O's. We were allotted comfortable quarters in Members Stand and meals were served by waiters. Food excellent with roast turkey at least once a week.

FINAL R&R LEAVE

The following day we were due to proceed to Anzac Rifle Range for training and learn use of the newly available Bren gun when I and several others were told we would again proceed home on final rest and recreation leave before going overseas to an unknown destination.

Following leave again of about 6 days, I went back to Manilla Road Camp and billeted at 9 Block, where I found John Conway from Warialda (Ada Miles' younger brother). Fortunately for John, he didn't get to join 8th Division as we did. He became seriously ill and was sent home, eventually seeing service in Middle East and New Guinea.

LEFT TAMWORTH

Finally left Tamworth on Draft, destination still unknown 28/7/41. 

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