Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, 38TH BN, POST WW1, C. 1921 - 1940
Items in the "Swatton" collection.
.1) Jack Swatton, 2nd from left front row. .2) front row 5th from the left.
John (Jack) William Swatton.
His first connection with the Australian Military is with the Universal Conscription scheme pre WW1. On 1.7.1913 he is alloted to D Coy 67th Bn (Bendigo) Regt No 671 as part of quota 1895 (Year of his birth)
He then enlists in the AIF on 10.7.1915 No 4905 age 19 years in 15th Reinforcements 7th Bn AIF. Embark for Eygpt 7.3.1916, embark for France 2.6.1916, Transfer to 48th Bty 12 F.A.B 17.4.1916, transfer to 24th F.A.B 15.6.1916, Transfers to 43rd Bty 11th F.A.B 25.1.1917, detached to Ordnance Works Viviers Hill 15.2.1917, Promoted Bombadier 10.12.1917, attends 2nd Army Artillery School, promoted Corporal 16.3.1918, promoted Sgt 17.6.1918, promoted Bty Sgt Major 15.12.1918, awarded MID 31.12.1918, embark for Australia 11.5.1919, discharged from the AIF.
Post WW1 he enlists in the 38th Bn (CMF Bendigo) in 1921, he is Commissioned as an Officer in Sept 1929, from that date till 1940 he is the CO of the BN. The same year he transfers to the 8th Bn CMF.
Besides his Mention in Despatches (WW1) he is also awarded the Long Service and Efficiency decorations.
On 25.4.1942 he enlists in VDC age 46 years No V362516 in the 15th BN Volunteer Defence Corp for part time duty with the rank of Lt Col, His appointment is terminated on 19.12.1945.
In 1941 he is elected to the Committee of the Bendigo RSL, serves as Snr Vice President 1949 - 57 then President 1958 - 60. In 1962 he is made a life member of the RSL..1) Photograph B & W showing 21 Officers of the 38th BN standing outside a building.
.2) Photograph sepia tone showing 20 Officers of the 38th Bn in three rows in front of a tent.photographs, 38th bn, post ww1, passchendaele barracks trust.
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Bendigo Military Museum