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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 556

(x) Five: Leading Aircraftman J. Rodman, Royal Australian Air Force late 2/1 Pioneer Battalion, Australian Military Forces

1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially impressed '134945 J. Rodman', court mounted for display, late issues, very fine (5)

Four: Leading Stoker J.F. Burke, Royal Australian Navy

1939-45 Star; Pacific Star, both officially impressed 'W1520 J.F. Burke.'; War Medal; 1939-45, unnamed; Australia Service Medal, officially impressed 'W1520 J.F. Burke.', mounted for wear, very fine (4)

John Rodman was born at Sydney on 6 February 1919 and was a labourer when he enlisted in the 2/1 Pioneer Battalion, Australian Military Forces on 17 June 1940. Arriving in Palestine on 2 November 1940 he spent the majority of his service in detention barracks having committed multiple offences. Twice he escaped from detention barracks whilst serving a sentence. He was discharged from the army to serve in the RAAF on 14 June 1943 where his behaviour seems to marginally improve. He was posted to the general duties branch, followed by the Para troops training unit and later the Security Guards unit. In April 1945 he is based at the stores depot in Sydney when he went A.W.O.L. for 3 days. Extraordinarily he was later awarded 7 days good behaviour before being discharged on 2 January 1946.

Applying for his medals in 1953 he was informed that because of his bad behaviour they had been forfeited. This decision was re assessed in 1962 and it was agreed that the medals could be issued to him, they were however returned unclaimed in September 1962 but re-issued in 1965; sold together with extensive copied research.

James Francis Burke was born at West Melbourne, Victoria on 29 September 1915 and enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve on 28 February 1933 from which he was discharged on 1 October 1937. He was mobilised on 26 February 1940 and posted to HMAS Cerberus as a stoker second class.

Further postings followed; Orara, August 1940, Penguin, December 1940, Bungaree, June 1941 for mine laying duties around New Guinea, Lonsdale, October 1941, Bungaree, August 1942 until August 1944 before being posted back to Lonsdale and his eventual shore discharge on 7 December 1945; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£110

Starting price
£70