Lot 4629

Description

Group of Four to POW: 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45. NX30034 L.Stanton. All medals impressed. Swing mounted, very fine - extremely fine.

Leslie Stanton, born 24Dec1911 at Glebe, NSW; Enl.09Jun1941 at Paddington, NSW; captured by Japanese while serving with 2/18 Bn in Singapore and sent to POW camp in Malaya; Disch.20Nov1945 as Pte ex 2/18 Infy Bn.

When Japanese launched their invasion of Singapore, the 2/18 Bn was part of the 22 Brigade defending the island's east coast but because of the size of the area to be covered, the 2/18th was too widely dispersed. Despite inflicting heavy losses on the Japanese force, they were forced to retreat and then surrender on 15 February 1942. Initially imprisoned in Changi, the unit members were later sent to various camps including in Malaya where Pte Stanton was sent. Surviving POWs were liberated in late August 1945 and returned to Australia.