An Australian issue general service tunic, once issued to Sergeant John Edwin DEAN has been located and purchased from an antique store in Fairy Meadow, New South Wales. Sergeant John Edwin DEAN is a veteran of the 2/29th Infantry Battalion and fought during the Malaya campaign during 1942. He was subsequently captured by the Japanese when Singapore fell on 15 February and entered captivity. Battalion records indicate that he may have spent his captivity in Changi Prisoner of War camp, however research into his service records may indicate if he was sent outside of Singapore during his internment.
IMAGE RIGHT: An early pattern general service tunic, similar to that issued to Sergeant John Edwin DEAN who served with the 2/29th Infantry Battalion, AIF during the Malayan campaign and fall of Singapore.
Whilst this tunic is the early pattern and was manufactured during 1942, it is likely this was his “coming home” tunic which was issued upon his return to Australia (before discharge from the AIF). Unfortunately, the colour patches and badges have been removed by persons unknown.
IMAGE LEFT: The name tag which is sewn into the general service tunic issued to VX42295 Sergeant John Edwin DEAN 2/29th Infantry Battalion AIF. It is believed this hand writing is his own.
The service details of John Edwin DEAN from the World War Two Nominal Roll are as follows:- Australian Army Service Number VX42295, Date of Birth 26 February 1900. Place of Birth SALISBURY, Victoria. Date of Enlistment 4 July 1940, Locality on Enlistment HOLBROOK, Victoria. Place of Enlistment CAULFIELD, Victoria. Next of Kin DEAN, A. Date of Discharge 15 December 1945. Rank:- Sergeant; Posting at Discharge 2/29 Battalion. Prisoner of War:- Yes.
IMAGE RIGHT: The colour patch of the 2/29th Infantry Battalion, 8th Australian Division AIF. The colour patch depicts the grey oval (indicating 8 Division AIF) with the vertical rectangle divided down with centre; black on the left with yellow on right.
PLEASE NOTE: The tunic is not for general sale and will only be sold back to the descendants of John upon strict proof of relationship.
IMAGE LEFT: The Fairy Meadow Antique Centre in the Illawarra area, south coast of New South Wales. Medals Gone Missing would like to thank Marjorie for her kind assistance in helping us to procure this tunic for the family of John Edwin DEAN. This is a wonderful store which holds many items of militaria and other general Australian antiques. Email:- [email protected] ph. 0407 418 128 To visit their Facebook page, please CLICK HERE
