Private Kenneth Boxhorn
- Rank
- Private
- Appointment
- Sapper
- Service number
- WX12478
- Unit
- 2/6 Field Park Company Royal Australian Engineers
- Cause of death
- Died as Prisoner of War
- Place of death
- Sandakan, Borneo
- Date of death
- 17 May 1945
- Age
- 35
- Plaque number
- MW52A
- Co-located plaques
- MW52 - PTE Douglas Howell
- Dedicated by
- Nephew on 19 February 2011
- More information
Biography presented during plaque dedication:
Sapper Kenneth Boxhorn of 2/6 Field Park Company Royal Australian Engineers was born in Northam on 16 January 1910 to Louis and Trixie Boxhorn.
Kenneth was educated at Northam state school and on leaving became a builder’s labourer and later a crane supervisor. He loved Australian Rules football and played for East Perth B grade amateurs.
In May 1941, Ken decided to join up and he headed for the Claremont recruiting depot where, given his building background, he was posted to the 2/6 Field Park Company of the Royal Australian Engineers.
Following initial recruit training the unit was sent to Asia, arriving in time for the subsequent invasion of Japanese forces.
He was captured following the surrender of Singapore he became a prisoner of war and was sent to Borneo as part of B force.
Sapper Kenneth Boxhorn, service number WX12478 of 2/6 Field Park Company Royal Australian Engineers, died of illness as a prisoner at Sandakan, Borneo on 17 May 1945. He was 35 years of age.