Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 2, Western Australia, WX12552 / WX500550 POYNTON, DCM, 2/2 Commando, 1945

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Overview

Khaki Tunic Corporal Joseph William Poynton, WX12552, 2/2nd Commando Squadron, WX500550, London Victory March Contingent England, (donated 1996)

Historical information

The red double diamond shaped colour patch is for the 2/2nd Commando Squadron. When Japan entered the war, they were deployed to Timor with the 2/40th Battalion and Sparrow Force, later serving in New Guinea and New Britain. Joe was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal, just below a Victoria Cross, and a Dutch Bronze Cross, (yellow/gold ribbon), the highest award by Holland for his bravery on Timor. His father fought in WW1, his two older brothers also served, Sergeant Pilot Bruce Poynton O33122 (410089) RAAF and Lieutenant Jack Poynton WX33876, 1st Commando Training Squadron.
The blue square cloth formation patch with the title 'AUSTRALIAN VICTORY CONTINGENT' was issued to army members of the Victory March Contingent. The parade, part of the celebrations for the allied victory, was held in London on 8th June 1946. Over 10,000 service people from the British Commonwealth/allies marched. In the Australian contingent were 250 servicemen and women, representing the AIF, RAN and RAAF, Joe being one of only 14 people selected from Western Australia.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-54-737

Contextual information

This uniform element formed part of the VP (Victory in the Pacific) special 80th Anniversary Exhibition presented at the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia from 6 to 24 August 2025
Donor Registration: 1996.113

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Service Records

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Last modified

Monday, 11 August, 2025

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