Private John Robert Lithgow
- Rank
- Private
- Service number
- WX30180
- Unit
- 16 Battalion
- Cause of death
- Killed in Action
- Place of death
- New Britain, Pacific Islands
- Date of death
- 13 April 1945
- Age
- 34
- Plaque number
- M642B
- Co-located plaques
- M642 - PTE Bob Baker
- M642A - LCPL Richard Gurry
- Dedicated by
- Niece on 14 December 2024
- More information
Biography presented during plaque dedication:
John Robert Lithgow was born on 17 April 1911 in Boulder, Western Australia to parents John James Lithgow and Norah Gurry who were married in Boulder in 1911. He was the eldest of three siblings.
John attended the Boulder Primary School and Eastern Goldfields High School for his schooling. He was a keen sportsman, playing football for the Moonta Turks and cricket for the Cornwell Dandies Cricket Club. Playing football on harsh gravel ovals, John was told if he didn’t finish the game with skin missing and bleeding, he wouldn’t get a game the following week.
He studied accountancy part-time at the Eastern Goldfields Technical School while he worked as a clerk. On completing his studies, he was promoted to accountant.
In February 1942, John enlisted into the Australian Citizens Military Forces (ACMF) in Kalgoorlie where he was attached to 16 Infantry Battalion. He was appointed Lance Corporal at Chidlow training camp in April 1942.
It was in July 1942 that John enlisted into the Australian Militia Force (AMF), reverting back to the rank of private where he conducted garrison duties within Australia.
In November 1944, John embarked for overseas service sailing to Jacquinot Bay, New Britain where the battalion remained until April 1945. It was at this time the battalion moved to a location called Wide Bay to relieve 6 Brigade, positioned on the Gazelle Peninsula, continuing to conduct daily patrols into the surrounding jungle.
On 11 April 1945, a platoon which included John was sent out to survey a landing point for barges at a location called Jammer Bay, as there had been recent enemy movements within the bay. Continued patrols were sent out on 12-13 April from Jammer Bay when John’s platoon was ambushed by Japanese soldiers who had crept within the patrol’s perimeter. John’s patrol fought the Japanese off, but sustained casualties with three men killed and thirteen wounded. It was during this action that John was killed.
Private John Robert Lithgow, service number WX30180 of 16 Infantry Battalion, was killed in action at Wide Bay, New Britain on 13 April 1945. He was 33 years of age.
He is buried at Rabaul War Cemetery East New Britain Papua New Guinea.
His plaque is located alongside his uncle Lance Corporal Richard Gurry of 16 Battalion.